Road Materials Testing Lab Manual by Er. Hamender Singh Shekhawat

Road Materials Testing Lab
Govt. College of Engineering and Technology, Bikaner
Road Materials Testing Lab Manual

List of Experiments:
1. Aggregate crushing value test. 2. Aggregate impact test. 3. To determine fineness modulus of a given sample of coarse aggregate. 4. Los angles abrasion test. 5. Angularity number test . 6. Specific gravity and water absorption test. 7. To determine the elongation index for given sample of aggregate. 8. To determine the flakiness index of given sample of aggregate. 9. Ductility test. 10. To determine the softening point for give sample of bitumen. 11. Marshall stability test. 12. Determine the percentage of free or surface moisture in both fine
and coarse aggregate.
Submitted by Er. Hamender Singh Shekhawat
Crushing Value
The principal mechanical properties required in road stones are satisfactory resistance to crushing Under the roller during construction and adequate resistance to surface abrasion under traffic surface stresses under rigid tyre rims of heavily loaded animal, drawn vehicles ate high enough to consider the crushing strength of road aggregates as an essential requirement in India. Crushing strength of road stones may be determined either on aggregates or on cylindrical specimen cut out of rocks. These two tests are quite different in not only the approach but also in the expression the results. Aggregates used in road construction, should be strong enough to resist crushing under traffic wheel. loads If the aggregates are weak, the stability of the pavement structure is likely to be adversely affected. The strength of coarse aggregates is assessed by aggregates crushing test. The aggregate crushing value provider. 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. Apparatus:The apparatus for the standard aggregate crushing test consists of the following: 1. Steel cylinder with open ends, and internal diameter 25.2 cm, square base plate plunger having a piston of diameter 15cm with a hole provided across the stem of the plunger So that a rod could be inserted for lifting or placing the plunger in the cylinder. 2. Cylindrical measure having internal diameter of 11.5cm and height 18 cm. 3. Steel temping rod with one rounded end, having a diameter of 1.6 cm and length 45 to 60 cm 4. Balance of capacity 3kg with accuracy up to 1g. 5. Compressions testing machine capable of applying load of 40 tones, at a uniform rate of loading.
Procedure:The aggregate passing 12.5 mm IS sieve and retained on10mm IS sieve is selected for standard test. The aggregate should be in surface-dry condition before testing. The aggregate may be dried by heating at a temperature 100c to 110C for a period of 4 hours and is tested after being cooled to room temperature. The cylindrical measure is filled by the test sample of 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 levelled off by using the tamping rod as a straight edge. About 6.5kg of aggregate is required for preparing two test samples. The test sample thus taken is then weighed. The same weight of the sample is taken in the repeat test. The cylinder of the test apparatus is placed in position on the base plate; one third of the test sample is placed in this cylinder and tamped 25 times by the tamping rod. Similarly, the other two parts of the test specimen are added, each layer being subjected to 25 blows. The total depth of the mater in the cylinder after tamping shall however be 10 cm . The surface of the aggregates is levelled and the plunger inserted so that it rests on this surface in level position. The cylinder with the 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 tones per minute until the total load is 40 tones, and then the load is released. Aggregates including the crushed portion are removed from the cylinder and sieved on a 2 36 mm IS Sieve. The
material which passes this sieve is collected. The above crushing test is repeated on second sample of the same weight in accordance with above test procedure. Thus two tests are made for the same specimen for taking an average value. Calculation:Total weight of dry sample taken = W1 g. Weight of proportion of crushed material passing 2.6mm IS sieve =W2 g. The aggregate crushing value is defined as a ratio of to the total weight of the sample expressed as a percentage decimal place the weight, of fines passing the specified IS sieve .The value is usually recorded up to the first
=
Observation table:-. Sample Number Total weight of dry Sample. W1 g Weight of fines passing 2.36 mm IS Sieve. W2 g Aggregate crushing value Average aggregate crushing value
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Results:The mean of the crushing value obtained in the tests is reported as the aggregate crushing value is______.
Impact Value
Toughness is the property of a material to resist impact. Due to traffic loads, the road stones are subjected to the pounding action or impact and there is possibility of stones breaking into smaller pieces. The road stones should therefore be tough enough to resist fracture under impact. A test designed to evaluate the toughness of stones i.e., the resistance of the stones to fracture under repeated impacts may be called an impact test for road stones. Impact test may either be carried out on cylindrical stone specimens as in Page Impact test or on stone aggregates as in Aggregate Impact test. The Page Impact test is not carried out now-a-days and has also been omitted from the revised British Standards for testing mineral aggregates. The Aggregate Impact test has been standardized by the British Standards Institution and the Indian Standards Institution. The aggregate impact value indicates a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate to a sudden shock or an impact, which in some aggregates differs from its resistance to a slow compressive load. The method of test covers the procedure for determining the aggregate impact value of coarse aggregates.
Type of pavement Material Water bound macadam (WBM), sub-base course Cement concrete, base course (as per ISO (i) WBM base course with bitumen surfacing (ii) Built-up spray grout, base course Bituminous macadam, base course (ii) Built-up spray grout, surfacing course (iii) Bituminous (iv) binder penetration Bituminous course (v)
Aggregate impact value, maximum, % 50 45 40 35 35 30
macadam macadam,
Bituminous surface dressing
Object : To determine the impact value of the aggregate . Apparatus:The apparatus consists of an impact testing machine, a cylindrical measure, tamping rod, IS
sieves, balance and oven. 1) Impact testing machine:- The machine consists of a metal base with a plane lower surface supported well on a firm floor, without rocking. A detachable cylindrical steel cup of internal diameter 10.2 cm and depth 5cm is rigidly fastened centrally to the base plate. A metal hammer of weight between 13.5 and 14 kg having the lower end cylindrical in shape, 10m in diameter and 5 cm long, with 2 mm chamfer at the lower edge is capable of sliding freely between vertical guides, and fall concentric over the cup. There is an arrangement for raising the hammer and allowing it to fall freely between vertical guides from a height of 38 cm on the test sample in the cup, the height of fall being adjustable up to 0.5 cm. A key is provided for supporting the hammer while fastening or removing the cup. 2) Measure: A cylindrical metal measure having internal diameter 7.5 cm and depth 5cm for measuring aggregates. 3)Tamping rod: A straight metal tamping rod of circular cross section, 1cm in diameter and 23cm long, rounded at one end. 4) Sieve: IS sieve of sizes 12.5mm, 10mm and 2.36mm for sieving the aggregates. 5) Balance: A balance of capacity not less than 500 g to weigh accurate up to 0.1 g. 6) Oven: A thermostatically controlled drying oven capable of maintaining constant temperature between 100C and 100C. Procedure:The test sample consists of aggregat.es passing ~m sieve and retained on 10 mm sieve and dried in an oven for four hours at a temperature 100C to 110C and cooled. Test aggregates are filled up to about One third full in the cylindrical measure and tamped, 25 times with rounded end of the tamping rod further quantity of aggregates, is then added up to about two-third full in the cylinder and 25 strokes of the tamping rod are given. The measure is now filled with the aggregates to over flow, tamped 25 times. The surplus aggregates are struck off using the tamping rod as straight edge. The net weight of the aggregates in the measure is determined to the nearest gram and this weight of the aggregates is used for carrying out duplicate test on the same material. The impact machine is placed with its bottom plate fiat on the floor so that the hammer guide columns are vertical. The cup is fixed firmly in position on the base of the machine and the whole
6 Submitted by Er. Hamender Singh Shekhawat
of the test sample from the cylindrical measure is transferred to the cup and compacted by tamping with 25 strokes. The hammer is raised until its lower face is 38cm above the upper surface of the aggregates in the cup, and allowed to fall freely on the aggregates. The test sample is subjected to a total of15 such blow, each being delivered at an interval of not less than one second. The crushed aggregate is then removed from the cup and the whole of it sieved on the 2.36 mm sieve until no further significant amount passes. The fraction passing the sieve is weighed accurate to 0.1gm. The fraction retained on the sieve is also weighed and if the total weight of the fractions passing and retained on the sieve is added it should not be less than the original weight of the specimen by more than one gram; if the total weight is less than the original by over one gram, the result should be discarded and a fresh test made.
Figure 7: Apparatus for Impact Value Test
Calculation:The aggregate impact value is expressed as the percentage of the fines formed in terms of the total weight of the sample.
Let the original weight of the oven dry sample be W1 gm. The weight of fraction passing 2.36 mm IS sieve be W2 gm.
Aggregate impact value=
%.
Serial No. 1. 2. 3. 4.
Detail Total weight of aggregate sample filling the Weight of aggregate passing 2.36 mm sieve Weight of aggregate retained on 2.36 sieve Aggregate Impact value =percent fines = %.
Trail No.
Average
Results:The result is reported as the aggregate impact value of the specimen to the nearest whole number Aggregate impact value is to classify the stones in respect of their toughness property as indicated below: Aggregate impact values <10% 10-20% exceptionally strong Strong 10-30% >35% satisfactorily for road surfacing Weak for road surfacing
Fineness Modulous of Aggregate

Object :To determine fineness modulus of aggregate. APPARATUS : 1) Set of : 80mm, 63mm, 40mm, 20mm, 12.5mm, 10mm, 6.3mm, 4.75mm 2) Weighing balance with weight box. 3) Tray THEORY : Fineness modulus of aggregate is an index number which gives an idea about the coarseness or fineness of an aggregate It can be written as FM. Fineness modulus. of an aggregate is approximate proportional of the average size of particles in the aggregate. In another words coarse particles of the aggregate having of Fineness modulus is determined by adding the cumulative percentage of material retained on each sieve and dividing the sum of cumulative percentage of material retained on each sieve by100 In this method, the fineness modulus of coarse fine and com In this method, the fineness modulus of coarse fine and communed aggregate are determined separately. The value of F.M. is higher for coarse aggregate (I e stone metals etc.)Are as follows For 20mm size = 6 to 6.9 40mm size= 6.9to7.5 For all in aggregate 20mm size = 4.8 to 5.1 25mm size = 5.1 to 5.5
PROCEDURE: i) Take a suitable sample of aggregate ii) Put the aggregate on the upper most sieves. iii) Sieve it as per sieve analysis. iv) Find out wt retained on each sieve. v) From that value cumulative percentage of weight retained on each was calculated. OBSERVATION TABLE :
Weight of coarse aggregate =kg PRECAUTION : i) The sieve should be in the proper sequence ii) There should be no wastage of aggregate during sieving iii) The weight of the aggregate retained on each sieve should measure carefully. RESULT : Fineness modulus of aggregate is found to be .
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Abrasion Value
Object:Determine the Abrasion vale of aggregate. Theory:Due to the movements of traffic, the road stones used in the surfacing course are subjected to wearing action at the top. Resistance to wear or hardness is hence an essential property for road aggregates, especially when used in wearing course. Thus road stones should be hard enough to resist the abrasion due to the traffic. When fast moving traffic fitted with pneumatic tyres move on the road, the soil particles present between the wheel and road surface causes abrasion on the road stone. Steel tyres of animal drawn vehicles which rub against the stones can cause considerable abrasion of the stones on the road surface. Hence in order to test the suitability of road stones to resist the abrading action due to traffic, tests are carried out in the laboratory. Abrasion test on aggregates are generally carried out by anyone of the following methods: Los Angeles abrasion test Deval abrasion test 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 and action between the aggregates and steel balls used as abrasive charge; pounding action of these balls also exist while conducting the test. Some investigators believe this test to be more dependable as rubbing and pounding action simulate the field conditions where both abrasion and impact occur. Los Angeles abrasion test has been standardized by the ASTM, AASHO and also by the ISI. Standard specification of Los Angeles abrasion values is also available for various types of pavement constructions.
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Serial No. 1. 2.
Types of pavement layer Water Bound Macadam (WBM), sub-base course (i) WBM base course with bituminous surfacing (ii) Bituminous Macadam base course (iii) Built-up spray grount base course (i) WBM surfacing course (ii) Bituminous Macadam binder course (iii) Bituminous penetration Macadam (iv) Builup spray grout binder course (i) Bituminous carpet surface course (ii) Bituminous surface dressing, single or two coats (Hi) Bituminous surface dressing, using precoated aggregates (iv) Cement concrete surface course (as per IRe) (i) Bituminous! Asphaltic concrete surface course (ii) Cement concrete pavement surface course (as per ISI)
Los Angeles abrasion value, maximum % 6 0 5 0 4 0
3.
4.
3 5
5.
3 0
Apparatus:Los Angeles abrasion machine and sieve. An opening is provided in the cylinder for the introduction of the test sample. A removable cover of the opening is provided in such a way that when closed and fixed by bolts and nut, it is dust tight and the interior surface is perfectly cylindrical. A removable steel shelf projecting radially 8.8 cm into the cylinder and extending to the full length of it, is mounted on the interior surface of the cylinder rigidly, parallel to the axis The shelf is fixed at a distance of 125 cm from the opening Measured along the circumference in the direction of rotation. Abrasive charge, consisting of cast iron spheres approximately 4.8 cm in diameter and 390 to 445 g in weight are used. The weight of the sphere used as the abrasive charge and the number of spheres to be used are specified depending on the gradation of the aggregates tested. The aggregate grading have been standardized as A. B. C, D. E, F, and G for this test and the IS specifications for the grading and abrasive charge to be used are given in IS sieve with l. 70 mm opening is used for separating the fines after the abrasion test. Procedure:Clean aggregates dried in an oven at 105-110C to constant weight Conforming to anyone of the grading A, to G, as per is used for the test. The grading or grading
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used in the test should be nearest to the grading to be used in the construction. Aggregates weighing 5 kg for grading A. B, C or D and 10 kg for grading E, For G may be taken as test specimen and placed in the cylinder. The abrasive charge is also chosen in accordance depending on the grading of the aggregate and is placed in the cylinder of the machine. The cover is then fixed dust tight. The machine is rotated at a speed of 30 to 33 revolutions per minute. 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 1,000 revolutions the machine should be balanced and driven in such a way as to maintain uniform peripheral speed. 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 I. 70 mm IS sieve, the material is first separated into two parts and the finer position is taken out and sieved further on a 1.7 mm IS sieve. The portion of material coarser than 1.7 rom size is washed and dried in an oven at 105 to 110C to constant weight and weighed correct to one gram
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Calculations:The difference between the original and final weights of the sample is expressed as a percentage of the original weight of the sample is reported as the percentage wear. Let the original weight of aggregate =W1g = g Weight of aggregate retained on1.70mm IS sieve after the test =W2 g = g Loss in weight due to wear= (W1-W2) g = g Los Angeles abrasion value= = % Result:The result of the Los Angeles abrasion test is expressed as a percentage wear and the average value of two tests may be adopted as the Los Angeles abrasion value.
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Determination of Angularity Number for the given aggregate sample.

This test is also carried out for determining shape of the aggregates. Based upon shape the aggregates may be classified as Rounded, Angular or Flaky. Angular particles possess well defined edges formed at the intersection of roughly planer faces and are commonly formed in aggregates prepared by crushing of rocks. Angularity in general is the absence of rounding of particles of an aggregate. This test is performed to determine the angularity number i.e. the absence of roundedness or the degree of angularity of the aggregate specimen. ANGULARITY It is the absence of roundness. An aggregate particle, which is more rounded, is less angular and vice versa. ANGULARITY NUMBER Angularity number of an aggregate is the amount (to the higher whole number) by which the percentage of voids in it after compacting in a prescribed manner exceeds 33. Where, 33 is the percentage of volume of voids, in a perfectly rounded aggregate. 67 is the percentage of volume of solids in a perfectly rounded aggregate. The value of angularity number generally lies between 0 & 11. In road construction angularity number of 7 10 is generally preferred.
SIGNIFICANCE The degree of packing of particles of single sized aggregate depends upon the angularity of aggregate. The angularity of the aggregate can be estimated from the properties of voids in a sample of aggregate compacted in a specified manner. The angularity number ranges from 0 for a highly rounded grave to about 11 for freshly crushed angular aggregates. Higher the angularity number, more angular and less workable is the concrete mix. In cement concrete roads (rigid pavements) rounded aggregates are preferred because of better workability and higher strength. In bituminous or water bound macadam construction (like flexible pavements), angular aggregates with high angularity number are preferred because of high stability due to better interlocking and friction. Higher the angularity number, more angular and less workable is the concrete mix. In road construction, angularity number of 7 -10 is generally preferred.
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APPARATUS 1 - A metal cylinder of about 3-liter capacity. 2 - Temping rod of circular cross-section, 16mm , 60cm in length. Rounded at one end. 3 - A metal scoop. 4 - A weighing balance. PROCEDURE This procedure is for aggregate size to No.4. If aggregate is coarser than , a cylinder of large capacity shall be required but amount of compactive effort or energy should be proportional to the volume of the cylinder. 10 Kg of the sample is taken for the test. The material should be oven dried. The aggregate is compacted in three layers, each layer being given 100 blows using the standard tamping rod at a rate of 2 blows/second by lifting the rod 5 cm above the surface of the aggregate and then allowing it to fall freely. The blows are uniformly distributed over the surface of the aggregate. After compacting the third layer, the cylinder is filled to overflowing and excess material is removed off with temping rod as a straight edge. The aggregate with cylinder is then weighed. Three separate determinations are made and mean weight of the aggregate in the cylinder is calculated.
Calculations & Results

Method 1
Add measured quantity of water in the compacted aggregate till all the voids are filled and water appears to the surface. Volume of water added is approximately equal to the volume of voids in the compacted aggregate.
Angularity Number =
Volume of Water Added 100 33 Total Volume
Method 2
Angularity Number = 67 100 W CGs
where, W = mean weight of the aggregate filling cylinder. C = Weight/Volume of water that can completely fill the cylinder (= 3 liters = 3000 ml in our lab) G s = Specific Gravity of the aggregate.
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Notes:
1- Method 1 determines the angularity number from the solids point of view. 2- Method 2 determines the angularity number from the voids point of view. COMPUTATIONS & RESULTS Specific gravity of the aggregate = 2.67 Total volume of the cylinder = 3 liters = 3000 ml WEIGHT (gm) Empty Cylinder Cylinder + Aggregate Cylinder + Agg. + Water Aggregate Volume of Water Added (ml) Angularity Number Method #1 Method #2
Result :
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Specific gravity of Aggregate

Object: To determine the Specific gravity of Aggregate.
Apparatus:-
Figure 12: Apparatus Required for performing Specific Gravity Test for Aggregates
Theory:Apparent Specific Gravity: - It is defined as the ratio of the mass of a unit volume of the impermeable portion of aggregate (does not include the permeable pores in aggregate) to the mass of an equal volume of gas-free distilled water at the stated temperature.
Effective Specific Gravity: - Volume measurement includes the volume of the aggregate particle plus the void volume that becomes filled with water during the test soak period minus the volume of the voids that absorb asphalt. Effective specific gravity lies between apparent and bulk specific gravity. It is formally defined as the ratio of the mass in air of a unit volume of a permeable material (excluding voids permeable to asphalt) at a stated temperature to the mass in air (of equal density) of an equal volume of gas-free distilled
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water at a stated temperature. Effective specific gravity is determined by a different procedure and is not covered in this section. The volume measurement only includes the volume of the aggregate particle; it does not include the volume of any water permeable voids. The mass measurement only includes the aggregate particle. Apparent specific gravity is intended to only measure the specific gravity of the solid volume; therefore it will be the highest of the aggregate specific gravities. It is formally Specific gravities can vary widely depending upon aggregate type. Some light weight shale can have specific gravities near 1.050, while other aggregate can have specific gravities above 3.000. Typically Aggregate absorption can also vary widely depending upon aggregate type.
Where :A= Mass of oven dry sample in air B= Mass of wet sample in Air C= Mass of wet sample in water
Procedure:1. Obtain a sample of coarse aggregate material retained on the No. 4 (4.75 mm) sieve This sample size is based on nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS). Sample sizes range from 2000 g for a 0.5 inch (12.5 mm) NMAS to 5000 g for a 1.5 inch (37.5 mm). 2. Wash the aggregate retained on the No. 4 (4.75 mm) sieve. This discards small aggregate particles clinging to the retained large particles.
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3. Dry the material until it maintains a constant mass. This indicates that all the water has left the sample. Drying should occur in an oven regulated at 230F (110C). 4. Cool the aggregate to a comfortable handling temperature. 5. Immerse the aggregate in water at room temperature for a period of 15 to 19 hours 6. Dry the sample to a saturated surface dry condition. Rolling up the aggregate into the towel and then shaking and rolling the aggregate from side to side is usually effective in reducing the sample to a SSD condition .It may be necessary to wipe the larger particles separately. Once there are no visible signs of water film on the aggregate particle surfaces, determine the sample mass. 7. Place the entire sample in a basket and weigh it underwater. The basket should be preconditioned to the water bath temperature. Shake the container to release any entrapped air before weighing. The container overflow needs to work properly to compensate for the water displaced by the sample. 8. Remove the aggregate from the water and dry it until it maintains a constant mass. This indicates that all the water has left the sample. Drying should occur in an oven regulated at 230F (110C). 9. Cool the aggregate in air at room temperature for 1 to 3 hours then determine the mass. Calculation:-
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Result:Specific Gravity of Coarse Aggregate = Specific Gravity of Fine Aggregate =
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Elongation Index
Object:To determine the Elongation index Apparatus:The apparatus consists of the length gauge and sieves. Theory:The percentage by weight of particles whose long dimension is greater than 1.8 times the mean dimension measured with a standard gauge. The elongation, n, is length divided by breadth and the elongation ratio is 1/n.
Procedure:The sample is sieved through the IS sieves. A minimum of 200 pieces of each fraction is taken and weighed. In order to separate elongated material, each fraction is then gauged individually for length in a length gauge .The gauge lengths used should be those specified. 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 are collected separately to find the total weight of aggregates retained
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on the length gauge from each fraction. The total amount of elongated material retained by the length gauge are weighed to an accuracy of at least 0.1 percent of the weight of the test sample. Calculation and Result: In order to calculate the elongation index of the entire sample of aggregates, the weight aggregates which is retained on the specified gauge length from each fraction is noted. As an example, let 200 pieces of the aggregate passing 40 mm sieve and retained 25 mm sieve weight W1 g. Each piece of these are tried to be passed through the specified gauge length of the length gauge, With its longest side and those elongated pieces which do not pass the gauge are separated and the total weight determined = W1 g. Similarly 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 weight of material from each fraction retained on the specified gauge length is found =x1, x2, x3 and the total weight retained determined =x1+x2+x3+ ...=Xg. Result:Elongation Index = %
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Flakiness Index
Object:To determine the flaky and elongated index of particles
Apparatus:The apparatus consists of a standard thickness gauge shown, IS sieves of sizes 63, 50, 40, 31.5, 25, 20, 16, 12.5, 10, and 6.3mm and a balance weight the sample.
Apparatus for Flaky Index
Theory:The particle shape of aggregates is determined by the percentages of flaky and elongated particles contained in it. In the case of gravel it is determined by its angularity number. For base course 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 possibilities 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 is desirable for granular base course due to increased stability derived from the
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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 a graded aggregate has to be suitably altered in order to obtain minimum voids in the dry mix or the highest dry density. The angularity number denotes the void content of single sized aggregates in excess of that obtained with spherical aggregates of the same size. Thus angularity number has considerable importance in the graduation requirements of various types of mixes such as bituminous concrete and soil-aggregate mixes. Thus evaluation of shape of the particles, particularly with reference to flakiness, elongation and angularity is necessary. Flakiness Index: - The flakiness index of aggregates is the percentages by weight of particles whose least dimension (thickness) is less than three-fifths (0.6) of their mean dimension. The test is not applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3 mm.
Procedure:The sample is sieved with the sieves mentioned. A minimum of 200 pieces of each fraction to be tested are taken and weighed =W1 g. In order to separate flaky materials, each fraction is then gauged for thickness on a thickness gauge or in bulk on sieves having elongated slots. The amount of flaky material passing the gauge is weighed to an accuracy of at least 0.1 percent of the test sample.
Size of aggregate Passing through 63.0 50.0 40.0 31.5 25.0 20.0 16.0 12.5 10.0 Size of aggregate Retained on 50.0 40.0 31.5 25.0 200 16.0 12.5 10.0 6.3 (a) Thickness gauge (0.6 times the mean sieve), 33.90 27.00 19.50 16.95 13.50 10.80 8.55 675 489 (b) Length gauge (1.8 times the mean sieve), 1.0 58.5 0.5 324 25.6 20.2 14.7
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Calculation:In order to calculate the flakiness index of the entire sample of aggregates first the weight of each fraction of aggregate passing and retained on the specified set of sieves is noted. As an example let 200 pieces of the aggregate passing 50 mm sieve and retained on 50mm sieve be =W1g. Each of the particles from this fraction of aggregate is tried to be passed through the slot of the specified thickness of the thickness gauge; in this example the width of the appropriate gauge of the thickness gauge is :
Let the weight of the flaky material passing this gauge be W 1 g. Similarly the weights of the sections passing and retained the specified sieves, W1, W2, W3 etc. are weighed and the total weight " W1 + W2 +W3 + '"=W g is found. Also the weights of material passing each of the specified thickness gauge are found =W1, W2, W3... and the total weight of material passing the different thickness gauges, W1 + W2 + W3 + '" =W g 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.
Result:-
Flakiness Index of Aggregate = %
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Determining the Ductility Of Bitumen

This test is done to determine the ductility of distillation residue of cutback bitumen, blown type bitumen and other bituminous products as per IS: 1208 1978. The principle is : The ductility of a bituminous material is measured by the distance in cm to which it will elongate before breaking when a standard briquette specimen of the material is pulled apart at a specified speed and a specified temperature. The apparatus required for this test: i) Standard mould ii) Water bath iii) Testing machine iv) Thermometer Range 0 to 44oC, Graduation 0.2oC Procedure to determine the Ductility Of Bitumen i) Completely melt the bituminous material to be tested by heating it to a temperature of 75 to 100oC above the approximate softening point until it becomes thoroughly fluid. Assemble the mould on a brass plate and in order to prevent the material under test from sticking, thoroughly coat the surface of the plate and the interior surfaces of the sides of the mould with a mixture of equal parts of glycerine and dextrin. While filling, pour the material in a thin stream back and forth from end to end of the mould until it is more than level full. Leave it to cool at room temperature for 30 to 40 minutes and then place it in a water bath maintained at the specified temperature for 30 minutes, after which cut off the excess bitumen by means of a hot, straight-edged putty knife or spatula, so that the mould is just level full. ii) Place the brass plate and mould with briquette specimen in the water bath and keep it at the specified temperature for about 85 to 95 minutes. Remove the briquette from the plate, detach the side pieces and the briquette immediately. iii) Attach the rings at each end of the two clips to the pins or hooks in the testing machine and pull the two clips apart horizontally at a uniform speed, as specified, until the briquette ruptures. Measure the distance in cm through which the clips have been pulled to produce rupture. While the test is being done, make sure that the water in the tank of the testing machine covers the specimen both above and below by at least 25mm and the temperature is maintained continuously within 0.5oC of the specified temperature.
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REPORTING OF RESULTS A normal test is one in which the material between the two clips pulls out to a point or to a thread and rupture occurs where the cross-sectional area is minimum. Report the average of three normal tests as the ductility of the sample, provided the three determinations be within 0.5 percent of their mean value. If the values of the three determinations do not lie within 0.5 percent of their mean, but the two higher values are within 0.5 percent of their mean, then record the mean of the two higher values as the test result.
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Free Moisture & Water Absorption

Object: Determine the percentage of free or surface moisture in both fine and coarse aggregate. Apparatus: Balance, minimum capacity of 2000 g, accurate and readable to at least 0.5 g or 0.1% of the mass of the test sample, whichever is greater. Pycnometer, Towel or lintfree cloth.
Theory: Free (Surface) Moisture: - The moisture in excess of that required for saturated surface dry (SSD) condition in aggregate. Water Absorption: -Water Absorption is the percent of water necessary to add to the aggregate to obtain saturated surface dry (SSD) condition. Wet Aggregate: - Wet Aggregate refers to aggregate in the stockpile condition.
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Note 1free moisture and water absorption calculated percentages based upon the original weight of the aggregate. Procedure: 1. Determine the SSD specific gravity. 2. Obtain approximately 1500 g of coarse aggregate, or 1200 g of fine aggregate, in stockpile moisture condition. Weigh the wet aggregate and record the mass to the nearest 0.5 gm. 3. Place the wet aggregate in the pycnometer and fill with water at the same temperature as used to calibrate the pycnometer. 4. Remove all entrapped air from the pycnometer. 5. Dry the outside of the pycnometer and completely fill it with water. 6. Determine the weight of the pycnometer and contents and record the mass to the nearest 0.5 gm. Calculations:Calculate the mass of the pycnometer, containing sample in SSD condition with water to Fill (Z):- Z=Y+X-(X/G) Calculate Percent of Free Moisture based on the wet mass of the sample (M): M=[100*G(Z-Z)] / [X (1XG-1)] Convert the wet mass to the SSD mass: SSD Mass = X (100-M)/ 100 Where: X = mass of the wet sample, g Z1 = mass of the pycnometer containing wet sample and water, G = saturated surface-dry specific gravity Y = mass of pycnometer filled with water (calibration), g. Result: Percent of Free Moisture of Coarse Aggregate 0.5%. Percent of Free Moisture of Fine Aggregate 1%.
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Road Materials Testing Lab Manual by Er. Hamender Singh Shekhawat

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Road Materials Testing Lab

Govt. College of Engineering and Technology, Bikaner