Highway Engg Lab Manual

2021 - 2022
Highway and Traffic

Engineering- 20CV403P
Lab Manual
Civil Engineering Department
TRANCPORTATION ENGINEERING -
I
LAB MANUAL
CIVIL ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT
School of Technology
Highway and Traffic Engineering- 20CV403P
Course Code: 20CV403P Highway and Traffic Engineering Lab

Teaching Scheme Examination
Scheme
Theory Practical Total
L T P C Hrs/Week
MS ES IA LW LE/Viva Marks
- - 2 1 2 -- -- -- 50 50 100
COURSE OBJECTIVES:-
 To give an overview about different properties of pavement materials

 To know different test performed for aggregate and understand the procedure.
 To know different test performed for Soil and understand the procedure.
 To know different test performed for Bitumen and understand the procedure.
 To know different traffic study methods
List of Experiments:
1. Introduction to Highway Engineering Laboratory Equipment (Introduction class)
2. California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Test
3. Aggregate crushing Test
4. Aggregate Impact Test
5. Flakiness Index and Elongation Index Test for Aggregate
6. Los Angeles Abrasion Test / Deval Abrasion Test
7. Marshall stability test on Bitumen mix
8. Specific gravity and Water Absorption test for Aggregate
9. Penetration test for Bitumen
10. Softening point test for Bitumen
11. Ductility test for Bitumen
12. Flash and Fire Point test for Bitumen
13. Specific gravity test for Bitumen
14. Viscosity Test for Bitumen
Design based Problems (DP)/Open Ended Problem:
Conduct classified traffic volume study and spot speed study on busy rural highway or urban street during peak hour
to obtain the peak hour flow and design speed of a selected road section.
COURSE OUTCOMES
On completion of the course, student will be able to
CO1 – Identify engineering properties of aggregate by performing laboratory tests necessary for highway
constructionCO2 – Demonstrate engineering properties of soil by performing laboratory tests necessary for highway
design and construction
CO3 – Determine the grade & properties of bitumen by performing laboratory tests necessary for highway
constructionCO4 – Design Bitumen Mixes
CO5 – Analyze the pavement material test results and suitability for Construction purpose
CO6 – Create smart materials which can be used for cost effective construction of
road.
TEXT/REFERENCE BOOKS
1. L.R. Kadiyali, Principles and Practices of Highway Engineering, Khanna Publishers, 2009
2. MoRTH (2013) Specification for Road and bridge works (5th revision)
3. MS-2 manual (2015) Seventh edition, Asphalt Institute.
4. S. K. Khanna, C. E. G. Justo, A Veeraragavan, Highway Engineering, Khanna Publishers.
END SEMESTER EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER

PATTERN
Max. Marks: 100
Part A: Lab Work – Continuous Assessment 50 Marks

Part B: Lab Exam and Viva 50 Marks
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT|SOT|PDEU Page 2

Program Outcomes (Pos)

PO1: Engineering knowledge: Ability to acquire and apply fundamental principles of science
and engineering to address the issues and challenges of Civil Engineering and Technology
PO2: Problem analysis: Ability to analyze and solve practical problems related to Civil
Engineering and Technology
PO3: Design/development of solutions: Ability to design, develop and evaluate Civil
Engineering works to meet the desired need
PO4: Conduct investigations of complex problems: Ability to conduct, analyze and interpret
experiments and apply experimental results to improve the process in Civil Engineering
PO5: Modern tool usage: Ability to use current technology, skills and modern techniques in
construction practices of Civil Engineering structure
PO6: The engineer and society: Ability to assess the impact of global, social and cultural
changes on Infrastructure projects
PO7: Environment and sustainability: Ability to understand the importance of sustainability
and environmental impact in design and development of Infrastructure projects
PO8: Ethics: Ability to exhibit professional, legal and ethical behaviour
PO9: Individual and teamwork: Ability to work effectively as an individual and as a member/
leader in a team.
PO10: Communication: Ability to communicate and present effectively.
PO11: Project management and finance: Ability to employ effective project management skills
to develop a project plan, monitor and track development efforts
PO12: Life-long learning: Ability to enhance self-improvement through continuous professional
development and life- long learning
Course Outcomes
On completion of the course, student will be able to
CO1 - Identify engineering properties of aggregate by performing laboratory tests necessary

for highway construction
CO2 - Demonstrate engineering properties of soil by performing laboratory tests necessary
for highway design and Construction
CO3 - Determine the grade & properties of bitumen by performing laboratory tests necessary
for highway construction
CO4 - Design Bitumen Mixes
CO5 - Analyze the pavement material test results and suitability for Construction purpose
CO6 - Create smart materials which can be used for cost effective construction of road

INDEX
Exp. Page
Name of experiment Cos Pos Date Sign
No No.
Shape Test (Flakiness Index) for 1,2,4,8,9,10
1 1,5 5
Aggregate ,12
Shape Test (Elongation Index) for 1,2,4,8,9,10
2 1,5 7
Aggregate ,12
1,2,4,5,8,9,
3 Impact Value Test for Aggregate 1,5 9
10,11,12
Crushing Value Test for 1,2,4,5,8,9,
4 1,5 11
Aggregate 10,11,12
1,2,4,5,8,9,
5 Abrasion Test for Aggregate 1,5 14
10,11,12
Specific Gravity & Water 1,2,4,8,9,10
6 1,5 16
Absorption Test for Aggregate ,12
Determination Of Penetration 1,2,4,5,8,9,
7 3,5 19
Value Of Bitumen 10,11,12
Determination Of Softening Point 1,2,4,5,8,9,
8 3,5 21
Of Bituminous Material 10,11,12
Determination Of Ductility Of The 1,2,3,4,8,9,
9 3,5 23
Bitumen 10,12
Determination Of Viscosity Of 1,2,3,4,8,9,
10 3,5 26
Bituminous Material 10,12
1,2,3,4,8,9,
11 Specific Gravity Test For Bitumen 3,5 28
10,12
Determination Of Flash And Fire 1,2,4,5,8,9,
12 3,5 30
Point Test 10,11,12
Determination Of Bitumen 1,2,3,4,8,9,
13 3,5 32
Content By Centrifuge Extractor 10,12
California Bearing Ratio (CBR) 1,2,3,4,5,8,
14 2,5,6 34
Test 9,10,12
Bituminous Mix Design By 4,6 1,2,3,4,5,7, 41
15
Marshall Method 8,9,10,12

Date:
Experiment No: 1
SHAPE TEST (FLAKINESS INDEX)
(IS: 2386 Part-I)
Aim: To determine the flakiness index of a given aggregate sample.
Apparatus required: The apparatus consist of a standard thickness gauge, IS Sieve of size
63, 50, 40, 31.5, 25, 20, 16, 12.5, 10 and 6.3 and a balance to weight the samples.
Procedure:
1. The sample is sieved with the sieves mentioned in the table.
2. A minimum of 200 pieces of each fraction to be tested are taken and weighed (W1 gm)
3. 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.
4. Then the amount of flaky materials passing the gauge is weighed to an accuracy of at least
0.1% of test sample
5. 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.
6. 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
(w1+w2+w3+…………..)
Flakiness index= ---------------------------------- x 100
(W1+W2+W3+…………)
Result:
The flakiness index of the given sample of aggregates is ___________%.
Viva Voce:
1. What do you mean by flakiness index of an aggregate?
2. What do you infer from flakiness index?
3. How the flakiness index of the sample helps in deciding the design of a highway?

Observation and Calculation:

Date:
Experiment No: 2
SHAPE TEST (ELONGATION INDEX)
(IS: 2386 Part-I)
Aim: To determine the Elongation index of the given aggregate sample.
Apparatus required: Length gauge, I.S. Sieve
Procedure
1. The sample is sieved through IS Sieve specified in the table. A minimum of 200 aggregate
pieces of each fraction is taken and weighed
2. Each fraction is the 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.
3. The pieces of aggregate 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.
4. The total amount of elongated material retained by the length gauge is weighed to an
accuracy of at least 0.1% of the weight of the test sample.
5. 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 the 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.
6. 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.
(x1 + x2 + x3 + ……)
Elongation index = ----------------------------- x 100
(W1 + W2 + W3 + …)
Result: The elongation index of a given sample of aggregate is _____________% .

Viva Voce:
1. What do you mean by elongation index of an aggregate?
2. What do you infer from elongation index?
3. How the elongation index of the sample helps in deciding the design of a highway?
Observation and Calculation:

Date:
Experiment No: 3
IMPACT TEST
(IS: 2386 Part-IV)
Aim: To determine the aggregate impact value of given aggregates
Apparatus required: Impact testing machine, cylinder, tamping rod, IS Sieve 125.mm,
10mm and 2.36mm, balance.
Procedure:
1. 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˚ to 110˚
2. The aggregates are filled up to about 1/3 full in the cylindrical measure and tamped 25
times with rounded end of the tamping rod
3. The rest of the cylindrical measure is filled by two layers and each layer being tamped 25
times.
4. The overflow of aggregates in cylindrically measure is cut off by tamping rod using it has a
straight edge.
5. Then the entire aggregate sample in a measuring cylinder is weighed nearing to 0.01gm
6. 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.
7. The hammer is raised until its lower face is 38cm above the upper surface of aggregate 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.
8. Let the original weight of the oven dry sample be W1gm and the weight of fraction passing
2.36mm IS sieve be W2gm. Then aggregate impact value is expressed as the % of fines
formed in terms of the total weight of the sample.

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?
Observation and calculation:

Date:
Experiment No: 4
AGGREGATE CRUSHING VALUE TEST
(IS: 2386 Part-IV)
INTRODUCTION:
Crushing strength of road stones may be determined on cylindrical stone specimen cut out of
rocks. Coarse aggregates used in pavement construction should be strong enough to resist
crushing under rollers during compaction. A low aggregate crushing value indicates higher
resistance to getting crushed under the application of specified load. Therefore in order to
achieve high quality pavement, coarse aggregates possessing low aggregate crushing value is
to be preferred.
AIM:
To determine the aggregate crushing value of the given aggregate sample
APPARATUS:
 Steel cylinder with 150mm internal diameter

 Cylindrical measure of 180mm height and 115mm internal diameter
 Tamping rod
 IS sieves- 12.5mm, 10mm and 2.36mm
 Compression testing machine
 A balance
Fig. 5.1 Aggregate Crushing value test apparatus

PROCEDURE:
 Dry coarse aggregates passing through 12.5mm sieve and retained on 10mm sieve is
filled in cylindrical measure in 3 layers.
 Each layer is tamped 25 times and the top of cylindrical measure is levelled off after
third layer is being tamped. The test sample is weighed.
 The aggregate sample is placed on the crushing test cylinder in the same manner as
described above. Load is applied at a uniform rate of 4 tonnes/minute until the load is
40 tonnes and then load is released.
 The aggregates from test cylinder are removed and sieved on 2.36mm sieve. The
material which passing the sieve is collected and weighed.
FORMULA:
W2
Aggregate crushing value = W1 X 100
Where
w1 – Weight of dry aggregate sample, in g
w2 – Weight of crushed aggregate passing through 2.36mm sieve, in g
OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:
Trial No.
S.No. Details
1 2
1 Total weight of aggregate (w1) g
2 Weight of crushed aggregate passing

through 2.36mm sieve (w2) g
3 Aggregate Crushing value
Average Aggregate crushing value =
RESULT:
The crushing strength of the given aggregate sample =

INFERENCE:
APPLICATION:
The aggregate crushing value is an indirect measure of crushing strength of aggregates. Low
aggregate crushing value indicates strong aggregates, as the crushed fraction of fines under
the specified load is low. Thus the test can be used to assess the suitability of aggregates with
reference to crushing strength.
IRC have specified that aggregate crushing value of coarse aggregates to be used for cement
concrete pavement surface should not exceed 30 percent. Aggregate crushing value up to 45
percent is permissible for the aggregates to be used for cement concrete other than for
wearing surfaces.

Date:
Experiment No: 5
ABRASION TEST
(IS: 2386 Part-IV)
Aim: To determine the abrasion value of given aggregate sample by conducting Los Angles
abrasion test.
Apparatus required: Los Angles apparatus, IS Sieve, Weighting Balance.
Procedure:
1. Clean and dry aggregate sample confirming to one of the grading A to G is used for the
test.
2. Aggregate weighing 5kg for grading A, B, C or D and 10Kg 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 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 gradings A, B, C and D, for gradings 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 1.70mm IS sieve, the material is first separated into two
parts and the finer position is taken out and sieved further on a 1.7mm IS sieve.
8. Let the original weight of aggregate be W1gm, weight of aggregate retained on 1.70mm IS
sieve after the test be W2gm.
Observation and Calculation
Result: The average value of Los Angles 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?

Date:
Experiment No: 6
SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND WATER ABSORPTION OF AGGREGATE

(IS: 2386 Part-III)
INTRODUCTION:
The specific gravity of an aggregate is considered to be a measure of strength or quality of

material. Stones having low specific gravity are generally weaker than those with higher
values. The specific gravity value is used for making weight-volume conversion and for
calculating the void content in bituminous mixes.
Water absorption gives an idea of strength of rock. Stones having more water absorption are
more porous and generally considered unsuitable unless they are found to be acceptable
based on strength, impact and hardness tests.
AIM:
To determine the specific gravity and the percentage of water absorption of the given
aggregate sample.
APPARATUS:
 Balance of capacity about 3 kg, to weigh accurate to 0.5 g

 Oven
 Wire basket with mesh of size not more than 6.3mm
 Container
 Shallow tray
 Two dry absorbent clothes of size 75cmx45cm
PROCEDURE:
 Take 2kg of coarse aggregate sample and wash it thoroughly to remove fines. Place
the drained aggregates in a wire basket and immerse in distilled water at a temperature
between 22⁰ - 32⁰C with a cover of at least 5cm of water above top of basket.
 Immediately after immersion, the entrapped air is removed from the sample by lifting
the basket 25mm above the base of tank and allowing it to drop 25 times at rate of one
drop per second.
 The aggregate and basket should remain completely immersed in water for a period of
24hrs.
 The basket and sample are then weighed while suspended in water and noted as W 1.
The basket and sample are then removed from water and allowed to drain for few
minutes, after which aggregates are transferred to one of the dry absorbent clothes.

The empty basket is then returned to tank of water, jolted 25 times and weighed as
W2.
 The aggregates are placed on the absorbent clothes are surface dried. Then the
aggregates are transferred to second dry cloth spread in single layer, covered and
allowed to dry for at least 10 min until the aggregates are completely surface dry. The
aggregates should not be exposed to direct sunlight, atmosphere or any other source of
heat while surface drying.
 The surface dried aggregate is then weighed as W3.
 Then the aggregate is placed in a shallow tray and kept in an oven maintained at a
temperature of 110⁰C for 24hrs. It is then removed from the oven, cooled in an air-
tight container and weighed W4.
FORMULA:
𝑊4
Specific gravity = 𝑊3−(𝑊1−𝑊2)
𝑊3−𝑊4
Water absorption = 𝑋 100
𝑊4
Where,
W1 – Weight of saturated aggregate suspended in water with basket (g)
W2– Weight of basket suspended in water (g)
W3 – Weight of saturated surface dry aggregate in air (g)
W4 – Weight of oven dried aggregate (g)
OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:
S.No Details Trial 1 Trial 2
1 Weight of saturated aggregate and basket in water, W1

(g)
2 Weight of basket in water, W2 (g)
3 Weight of saturated surface dry aggregate in air, W3(g)
4 Weight of oven dried aggregate in air, W4 (g)
5 Specific gravity
6 Water absorption (%)
Average specific gravity =

Mean value of water absorption (%) =
RESULT:
The specific gravity of the given aggregate sample is_____________
The water absorption of the given aggregate sample is____________
INFERENCE:
APPLICATION:
The specific gravity of coarse aggregates normally used in road construction ranges from 2.5
to 3.2 with an average value of about 2.70. Though high specific gravity of an aggregate is
considered as an indication of high strength, it is not possible to judge the suitability of a
sample of road aggregate without finding the mechanical properties such as impact, abrasion
and crushing values.
Water absorption of an aggregate is a measure of its porosity. It generally ranges from 0.1 to
2 percent for aggregates used in road surface course. Indian Road Congress and Ministry of
Road Transport and Highways have specified the maximum water absorption values as 1.0
percent for aggregates used in bituminous surface dressing.
Buoyancy Balance

Date:
Experiment No: 7
DETERMINATION OF PENETRATION VALUE OF BITUMEN
(IS: 1203-1978)
Aim: To determine the consistency of bituminous material
Apparatus required: Penetration apparatus, thermometer, time measuring device, transfer dish,
water bath, needle, and container.
Procedure:
1. Soften the material to a pouring consistency at a temperature not more than 60 ˚ for tars and 90˚
for bitumen above the approximate softening point and stir it thoroughly until it is homogenous
and is free from air bubbles and water. Pour the melt into the container to a depth at least 10mm
in excess of the expected penetration. Protect the sample from dust and allow it to cool in an
atmosphere at a temperature between 15˚to 30˚ for one hour. Then place it along with the transfer
dish in the water bath at 25.0˚ ±0.1˚ and allow it to remain for 1 to 11/2 hour. The test is carried out
at 25.0˚ ±0.1˚, unless otherwise stated.
2. Fill the transfer dish water from the water bath to depth sufficient to cover the container
completely. Place the sample in it and put it upon the stand of the penetration apparatus.
3. Clean the needle with benzene, dry it and load with weight. The total moving load required is
100±0.25gms, including the weight of the needle, carrier and super-imposed weights.
4. Adjust the needle to make contact with the surface of the sample. This may be done by placing
the needle point with its image reflected by the surface of the bituminous material.
5. Make the pointer of the dial to read zero or note the initial dial reading
6. Release the needle for exactly five seconds
7. Adjust the penetration machine to measure the distance penetrated.
8. Make at least 3 reading at points on the surface of the sample not less than 10mm apart and not
less than 10mm from the side of the dish. After each test return the sample and transfer dish to the
water bath and wash the needle clean with benzene and dry it. In case of material of penetration
greater than 225 three determinations on each of the two identical tests specimens using a
separate needle for each determination should be made, leaving the needle in the sample on
completion of each determinations to avoid disturbance of the specimen.

Result: The Penetration value of given 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?
Standard Penetrometer

Date:
Experiment No: 8
DETERMINATION OF SOFTENING POINT OF BITUMINOUS
MATERIAL
(IS: 1205-1978)
Aim: To determine the softening point of bitumen

Apparatus required: Ring and Ball apparatus, Water bath with stirrer, Thermometer,
Glycerine, etc. Steel balls each of 9.5mm and weight of 2.5±0.08gm.
Procedure:
1. Heat the material to a temperature between 75˚ – 100˚ 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, previously heated to a temperature approximating to that of the
molten material. 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 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˚
4. Apply heat to the bath and stir the liquid so that the temperature rises at a uniform rate of
5±0.5˚ per minute
5. Note down the temperature when any of the steel ball with bituminous coating touches the
bottom plate.
Record and Observation:
Result: The Softening value of given 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?
Softening Point Apparatus (Ring & Ball Apparatus)

Date:
Experiment No: 9
DETERMINATION OF DUCTILITY OF THE BITUMEN
(IS: 1208-1978)
Aim:
1. To measure the ductility of a given sample of bitumen
2. To determine the suitability of bitumen for its use in road construction
Apparatus required: 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 pre-calibrated rate, a putty knife,
thermometer.
Procedure
1. Melt the bituminous test material completely at a temperature of 75˚ to 100˚ above the
approximate softening point until it becomes thoroughly fluid
2. Strain the fluid through IS Sieve 30.
3. After stirring the fluid, pour it in the mould assembly and place it on a brass plate
4. In order to prevent the material under test from sticking, coat the surface of the plate and
interior surface of the sides of the mould with mercury or by a mixture of equal parts of
glycerin and dextrin
5. After about 30 – 40 minutes, keep the plate assembly along with the sample in a water
bath. Maintain the temperature of the water bath at 27˚ for half an hour.
6. Remove the sample and mould assembly from the water bath and trim the specimen by
leveling the surface using a hot knife.
7. Replace the mould assembly in water bath maintained at 27˚ for 80 to 90 minutes
8. Remove the sides of the moulds
9. Hook the clips carefully on the machine without causing any initial strain

10. Adjust the pointer to read zero
11. Start the machine and pull two clips horizontally at a speed of 50mm per minute
12. Note the distance at which the bitumen thread of specimen breaks.
13. Record the observations in the Performa and compute the ductility value report the mean
of two observations, rounded to nearest whole number as the „Ductility Value‟
Record and observations:
I. Bitumen grade =
II. Pouring temperature ˚ =
III. Test temperature ˚ =
IV. Periods of cooling, minutes =
a) In air =
b) In water bath before trimming =
c) In water bath after trimming =
Result: The Ductility value of given bitumen is ________________
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.

Ductility Testing Apparatus

Date:
Experiment No: 10
DETERMINATION OF VISCOSITY OF BITUMINOUS MATERIAL
(IS1206 Part-I)
Aim: To determine the viscosity of bituminous binder.
Apparatus required: A orifice viscometer (one of 4.0mm diameter used to test cut back
grades 0 and 1 and 10mm orifice to test all other grades), water bath, stirrer and thermometer.
Procedure
1. Adjust the tar viscometer so that the top of the tar cup is leveled. Select the test
temperature. Heat the water in water bath to the temperature specified for the test and
maintains it within ±0.1˚ of the specified temperature throughout the duration of test. Rotate
the stirrer gently at frequent intervals or perfectly continuously
2. Clean the tar cup orifice of the viscometer with a suitable solvent and dry thoroughly
3. Warm and stir the material under examination to 20˚ above the temperature specified for
test and cool, while continuing the stirring.
4. When the temperature falls slightly above the specified temperature, pour the tar into the
cup until the leveling peg on the valve rod is just immersed when the latter is vertical.
5. Pour into the graduated receiver 20ml of mineral oil, or one percent by weight solution of
soft soap, and place it under the orifice of the tar cup.
6. Place the other thermometer in the tar and stir until the temperature is within ±0.1˚ of the
specified temperature. When this temperature has been reached, suspend the thermometer
coaxially with the cup and with its bulb approximately at the geometric center of the tar.
7. Allow the assembled apparatus to stand for five minutes during which period the
thermometer reading should remain within 0.05˚ of the specified temperature. Remove the
thermometer and quickly remove any excess of tar so that the final level is on the central line
of the leveling peg when the valve is in vertical position.
8. Lift the valve and suspend it on valve support
9. Start the stop watch when the reading in the cylinder is 25ml and stop it when it is 75ml.
note the time in seconds

10. Report the viscosity as the time taken in seconds by 50ml of tar to flow out at the
temperature specified for the test.
Record and Observation:
Test 1 Test 2
Test temperature =
Time taken to flow 50cc of the binder =
Viscosity (sec) =
Result: The Viscosity value of given bitumen is ________________
Viva Voce:
1. Explain the term viscosity.
2. What are the uses of viscosity test?
3. What are the precautions to be taken during viscosity test using orifice viscometer?
Standard Tar Viscometer

Date:
Experiment No: 11
SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST FOR BITUMEN
(IS: 1202-1978)
Aim: To determine the specific gravity of given Bituminous material.
Apparatus required: Specific gravity bottle, balance and distilled water.
Procedure:
1. The clean, dried specific gravity bottle is weighed let that be W1gm
2. Than it is filled with fresh distilled water and then kept in water bath for at least half an
hour at temperature 27˚±0.1˚.
3. The bottle is then removed and cleaned from outside. The specific gravity bottle containing
distilled water is now weighed. Let this be W2gm.
4. Then the specific gravity bottle is emptied and cleaned. The bituminous material is heated
to a pouring temperature and the material is poured half the bottle, by taking care to prevent
entry of air bubbles. Then it is weighed. Let this be W3gm.
5. The remaining space in specific gravity bottle is filled with distilled water at 27˚ and is
weighed. Let this be W4gm. Then specific gravity of bituminous material is given by formula
= (W3-W1)/(W2-W1)-(W4-W3)
Result: The specific gravity of given bituminous binder 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?

Specific Gravity Bottle

Date:
Experiment No: 12
DETERMINATION OF FLASH AND FIRE POINT TEST
(IS: 1209-1978)
AIM: To determine the flash and fire point of a given Binder Sample.
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 up to 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 5 ˚
to 6˚ per minute. During heating the sample the stirring is done at a rate of
approximately 60 revolutions per minute.
 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.
Pensky-martens closed cup tester

OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION
Trials
Test Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Mean Value
℃
˚
Flash Point
Fire Point ˚
RESULT
The temperature at which the flame application that causes a bright flash____________˚ and the
temperature at which the sample catches fire ______________˚.
IS: 1209-1978 Determination of Flash Point and Fire Point.
INFERENCE

Date:
Experiment No: 13
DETERMINATION OF BITUMEN CONTENT BY CENTRIFUGE
EXTRACTOR
(ASTM D 2172)
Aim: To determine quantity of bitumen in hot-mix paving mixtures and pavement samples
Apparatus required:
Procedure:
1. Weight a 1000g sample of asphalt mix.
2. With the fork break the sample down to small pieces and heat the sample to about 115℃.
3. Place the sample in the bowl and weight it.
4. Cover the sample in the bowl with benzene or trichloroethane and allow it to soak for one
hour.
5. Weight filter ring. Place it around the edge of the bowl and clamp a lid on the bowl.
6. Place a beaker under the outlet.
7. Place the bowl in a centrifuge and rotate it gradually to increase the speed up to 3600rpm.
Rotate until the solvent ceases to flow from the outlet.
8. Stop the centrifuge, add 200ml of trichloroethane or benzene and rotate it again.
9. Repeat the procedure until the extract is no longer cloudy and if fairly light in color.
10. Remove the filter from the bowl and dry in air.
11. Brush the loose particles from the filter into the bowl.
12. Dry the filter to constant weight in a oven at 98˚ to 105˚
13. Dry the contents of the bowl on a steam bath and then to constant in an oven at 980˚ to
105˚ C
14. Obtain the weight of the filter and bowl with dry aggregates.

Result: The percentage of the bitumen in the given sample is ________________ Record and
Observation:
Before Test
Weight of bowl + sample (W1)g
Weight of bowl (W2)g
Weight of filter (W3)g
After Test
Weight of bowl + sample (W4) g
Weight of filter (W5) g
Weight of sample (W1-W2) g
Weight of aggregate in bowl (W4-W2)
Centrifuge Extractor

Date:
Experiment No: 14
CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO (CBR) TEST
(IS-2720 – Part – 16: 1987)
Aim:
To determine the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) in the laboratory
Theory:
The California bearing ratio test is penetration test meant for the evaluation of
subgrade strength of roads and pavements. The results obtained by these tests are used with
the empirical curves to determine the thickness of pavement and its component layers. This is
the most widely used method for the design of flexible pavement.
The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) is expressed as the percentage of force per unit
area required to penetrate a soil mass with a circular plunger of 50 mm diameter at the rate of
1.25 mm/min compared with that required for the corresponding penetration in a standard
material.
The ratio determined for penetration value of 2.5 and 5 mm. In general penetration
value of 2.5 mm is greater than 5 mm and penetration value corresponding to 2.5 mm is taken
as the design CBR value. However, if the ratio is consistently higher than that at 2.5 mm,
value corresponding to 5mm shall be used.
Apparatus and Equipments:

 Cylindrical Mould - 150 mm inner diameter and 175 mm height
 Collar – 50 mm height and 150 mm diameter
 Base Plate – 10 mm height
 Metal Spacer Disc – 148 mm diameter and 47.7 mm in height
 Metal Rammer – standard metal rammer for preparation of remolded samples
 Annular Metal Ring – 147 mm with a central hole of diameter 53 mm and weight 2.5
kg
 Metal Penetration Plunger – 50 mm in diameter and not less than 100 mm long
 Dial Gauges – accuracy of 0.01 mm – 2 Nos.
 Sieves – 4.75 mm IS sieve and 20 mm IS sieve

 Loading Machine – capacity of 50 KN (5000 kg) with a rate of strain of 1.25 mm/min
 Expansion Measuring Apparatus – adjustable stem and perforated plates
 Miscellaneous Apparatus – mixing bowl, straight edge scales, soaking tank or pan,
drying oven, filter paper, dishes, and calibrated measuring jar
Fig.1 CBR Test Setup
Procedure:
(a) Preparation of test specimen:
The test may be performed on (i) undisturbed specimen (ii) re-moulded specimen
which may be compacted either statistically or dynamically
(I) Undisturbed specimen:

This is obtained by fitting a cutting edge of 150 mm diameter to the mould and
pushing the mould as gently as possible into the ground. As the mould is pushed
in, the soil is dug from the outside. When the mould is full of soil, it is removed
by under digging. Then the top and bottom surfaces are trimmed flat so as to get
a specimen of the required length ready for testing.
If the soil is very hard and the mould cannot be pressed, then large undisturbed
lump of the soil is cutout from which the required specimen for the mould can
be made.
If the specimen is loose in the mould, the annular cavity is filled with paraffin
wax. The density and water content are determined so as to determine the dry

density.
(II) Re-moulded specimen

The dry density to be determined for the re-moulded specimen may be the field
density, maximum dry density or any other density. The water content required
for the preparation of the specimen may be the OMC or the field moisture
content.
Around 4.5 to 5.5 kg soil is taken for the re-moulded specimen, should pass a 20
mm sieve. Allowance for larger size particles shall be made by replacing the soil
by an equal amount of material which passes a 19 mm IS sieve but is retained in
a 4.75 mm sieve.
The required quantity of wet soil is prepared and compacted in the mould either
statistically or dynamically as required.
For light compaction, the soil is to be compacted in three equal layers, each
layer is given 56 blows by 2.6 kg rammer with drop of 310 mm. For Heavy
compaction, the soil is compacted in 5 equal layers, each layer is given 56 blows
by 4.89 kg rammer with drop of 450 mm.
In both cases of compaction, if the specimen is to be soaked, the water content
of soil before and after compaction is determined. If the specimen is not soaked,
a representative sample of material from one of the pieces of the material cut
after penetration shall be taken to determine the water content.
(b) Test for swelling

 Place the filter paper over the specimen and the adjustable stem.
 Place the perforated plate on the compacted soil specimen to produce a
surcharge equal to the weight of the base material and pavement to the nearest
2.5 kg. Each of 2.5 kg is equivalent to 70 mm of construction material.
 Immerse the whole mould and weights in a tank of water allowing free access of
water to the top and bottom of the specimen
 Mount the tripod of the expansion mounting device on the edge of the mould
and record the initial dial gauge reading.

 Keep the set up for 96 hours without disturbance and note the reading every day
against the time of reading. Maintain the constant water level throughout the
period.
 At the end of the soaking period, note the change in the dial gauge reading and
remove the tripod and the mould from the water tank.
 Allow the specimen to drain for 15 minutes downwards.
 Remove the weights, the perforated plate, and the filter papers
 Weight the mould with soaked soil specimen
(c) Penetration Test

Place the mould containing the specimen with the base plate in position and the top
face exposed on the lower plate of testing machine (Refer Fig.)
Place on the specimen the required number of surcharge weights to simulate the
intensity of loading equivalent to the base material and pavement.
In order to prevent upheaval of soil into the holes of the surcharge weights, place 2.5
kg of annular weights on the surface prior to seating the penetration plunger and then
the balance surcharge weights.
Apply a seating load of 4 kg so that free contact is established between the surface of
the specimen and plunger.
Set the load and deformation gauges to zero.
Apply the load on the plunger into the soil at a rate of 1.25 mm/min.
Note the readings of the load at penetrations of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 4.0, 5.0, 7.5,
10.0 and 12.5 mm.
Raise the plunger and detach the mould from the loading machine.
Determine the water content of the soil sample taken from the top 30 mm layer of the
specimen
Find also the average water content of the specimen by taking samples from the entire
depth of the specimen.
In case of undisturbed specimens from the field, carefully examine the presence of
oversize soil particles which may affect the results if they happen to be located
directly below the penetration plunger.
As a check, the penetration test may be repeated on the rear side of the specimen.

(d) Expansion Ratio

The expansion ratio is calculated from the expression,
𝑑𝑓 −𝑑𝑠
Expansion ratio = × 100
ℎ
Where, df is the final gauge reading in mm, ds is the initial dial gauge reading in mm
and h is the initial height of the specimen in mm.
The expansion ratio is used to identify qualitatively the potential expansiveness of the
soil.
(e) Load- Penetration Curve

Plot load- penetration curve which is usually convex upwards although the initial
portion of the curve may be convex downwards due to surface irregularities. A
correction shall then be applied by drawing tangent to the point of greatest slope and
then transposing the axis of the load so that zero penetration is taken as the point
where the tangent cuts the axis of penetration. The corrected load-penetration curve
will then consist of the tangent from the new origin to the point of tangency on the re-
shifted curve and then the curve itself.
(f) The CBR

The CBR values are usually calculated for penetrations of 2.5 and 5 mm.
corresponding to the penetration value at which the CBR value is desired, the
corrected load value should be taken from the load penetration curve and the CBR
calculated as follow.
𝑃
CBR = 𝑃𝑇 × 100
𝑆
Where; PT is the corrected unit (total) test load corresponding to the chosen
penetration from the load penetration curve.
PS is the unit standard load for the soil depth of penetration taken from Table 1

Table 1 Standard loads adopted for different penetrations for the standard
material with a C.B.R. value of 100%
Penetration Depth (mm) Unit Standard Pressure Total Standard load
(kg/cm2) (kgf)
2.5 70 1370
5.0 105 2055
Observations:
 Optimum moisture content =
 Mass of empty mould =
 Mass of mould + compacted soil =
 Bulk density =
 Dry Density =
Soaking and Swelling:

Dry density before soaking =
Bulk density before soaking =
Bulk density after soaking =
Surcharge mass during soaking =
Date and time

Dial gauge reading
Total Expansion
Determination of Final Expansion Ratio:
Penetration Test:
Surcharge mass used =
Water content after penetration test =
Proving ring calibration constant =
Least count of proving ring dial gauge =
Least count of penetration dial gauge =

Sr. No. Penetration dial gauge Load dial gauge Corrected load
D.G.R Penetration D.G.R. Load = D.G.R
(mm) x kg/div
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
4.0
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
Note: Attach Plot of Load vs. Penetration

Determination of CBR Value:
Results and Discussion: (attach additional page if required)

Date:
Experiment No: 15
BITUMINOUS MIX DESIGN BY MARSHALL METHOD
[MANUAL SERIES NO. 02 (MS-2)]
Aim: To determine optimum binder content of given bituminous mix by Marshall Method of
mix design.
Apparatus required: 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 175˚ to 195˚.
3. The compaction mould assembly and rammer are cleaned and kept pre- heated to a
temperature of 100˚ to 145˚. The bitumen is heated to temperature of 121˚to 138˚ and the
required quantity of first trial percentage of 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 150˚ to 160˚ 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 determined
first. The theoretical specific gravity of the mix is determined.
6. 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.
7. The bulk density value of the specimen if calculated from weight and volume

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

controlled water bath maintained at 60˚ ±1˚ for 30 to 40 minutes.
9. The specimens are taken out one, placed in the marshal test and the marshal stability value
and flow are noted.
10. The corrected Marshall Stability value of each specimen is determined by applying the
appropriate correction factor, i9f the average height of the specimen is not exactly 63.5mm.
11. 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.
12. 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: Bo = (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?
Marshall Stability Test Apparatus

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2021 - 2022

Highway and Traffic

Course Code: 20CV403P Highway and Traffic Engineering Lab

 To give an overview about different properties of pavement materials

Design based Problems (DP)/Open Ended Problem:

END SEMESTER EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER

Max. Marks: 100

Part A: Lab Work – Continuous Assessment 50 Marks

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT|SOT|PDEU Page 2

Program Outcomes (Pos)

CO1 - Identify engineering properties of aggregate by performing laboratory tests necessary

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT|SOT|PDEU Page 3

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT|SOT|PDEU Page 4

Aim: To determine the flakiness index of a given aggregate sample.

1. The sample is sieved with the sieves mentioned in the table.

Flakiness index= ---------------------------------- x 100

The flakiness index of the given sample of aggregates is ___________%.

1. What do you mean by flakiness index of an aggregate?

2. What do you infer from flakiness index?

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT|SOT|PDEU Page 5

Observation and Calculation:

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT|SOT|PDEU Page 6

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

Apparatus required: Length gauge, I.S. Sieve

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT|SOT|PDEU Page 7

2. What do you infer from elongation index?

Observation and Calculation:

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT|SOT|PDEU Page 8

Aim: To determine the aggregate impact value of given aggregates

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT|SOT|PDEU Page 9

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

1. How is aggregate Impact expressed?

2. What do you understand by dry and wet Impact value?

Observation and calculation:

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT|SOT|PDEU Page 10

To determine the aggregate crushing value of the given aggregate sample

 Steel cylinder with 150mm internal diameter

Fig. 5.1 Aggregate Crushing value test apparatus

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT|SOT|PDEU Page 11

w1 – Weight of dry aggregate sample, in g

w2 – Weight of crushed aggregate passing through 2.36mm sieve, in g

OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

1 Total weight of aggregate (w1) g

2 Weight of crushed aggregate passing

3 Aggregate Crushing value

Average Aggregate crushing value =

The crushing strength of the given aggregate sample =

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT|SOT|PDEU Page 12

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT|SOT|PDEU Page 13

4. The machine is rotated at a speed of 30 to 33 revolutions per minute.

Observation and Calculation

Result: The average value of Los Angles Abrasion Test is ________________%.

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT|SOT|PDEU Page 14

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT|SOT|PDEU Page 15

SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND WATER ABSORPTION OF AGGREGATE

The specific gravity of an aggregate is considered to be a measure of strength or quality of

 Balance of capacity about 3 kg, to weigh accurate to 0.5 g

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT|SOT|PDEU Page 16

W1 – Weight of saturated aggregate suspended in water with basket (g)