Highway and Traffic

Engineering
Lab Manual

Produced by;
Engr.Nawaz Ali & Engr.Syed Jahanzaib Shah
Civil Engineering Department
BUITEMS, Quetta
 Highway And Traffic Engineering Lab Manual

Practical Workbook
Highway and Traffic Engineering Lab Manual
This is to certify that this practical workbook contains _43_
pages.

Department of Civil Engineering

Balochistan University of Information Technology
Engineering & Management Sciences, Quetta

Manual of Transportation Engineering

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 Highway And Traffic Engineering Lab Manual

Contents
Experiment No: 01......................................................................................................................
SHAPE TESTS ..............................................................................................................................
Experiment No: 02......................................................................................................................
Loss-Angeles Abrasion Resistant Test ..........................................................................................
Experiment No: 03......................................................................................................................
Water Absorption Specific Gravity of Course Aggregates ..............................................................
Experiment No: 04......................................................................................................................
AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE TEST ................................................................................................
Experiment No: 05......................................................................................................................
Penetration of Bituminous Materials ...........................................................................................
Experiment No: 06......................................................................................................................
Softening point of bitumen (Ring and Ball Apparatus) ..................................................................
Experiment No: 07......................................................................................................................
Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup ...............................................................................
Experiment No: 08......................................................................................................................
Ductility of Bituminous Materials ................................................................................................
Experiment No: 09......................................................................................................................
To Perform The CBR Test for the Sub-grade on the given Soil sample. ...........................................

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Experiment No: 01

SHAPE TEST
Designation
ASTM: D4791-99

Shape test is further divided in two parts as below

A. Flakiness Index
BS: 812-105.1:1989
B. Elongation Index
BS: 812-105.2:1990

A. Flakiness Index
Designation:
BS: 812-105.1:1989
SCOPE
This test is used to determine the flakiness index of coarse aggregate.

INTRODUCTION:

Flaky material:
The Material having the small thickness relative to the other dimensions. e.g.:
Laminated rock.

Flakiness Index, the percentage by weight of particles whose least dimension (thickness) is
less than (0.6) times of their mean dimension.

SIGNIFICANCE & USE:

  Test use to classify aggregate. 
  Tells internal friction properties of aggregates. 
  Internal frication properties resist movement of aggregates past each other. 
  Resistance to movement is achieved by inter-locking & Surface friction. 
 Flaky & elongated break under load. 

PRINCIPLE
Aggregate particles are classified as flaky when they have a thickness (smallest dimension) of

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less than 0.6 of their mean sieve size, this size being taken as the mean of the limiting sieve
apertures used for determining the size fraction in which the particle occurs. The flakiness index
of an aggregate sample is found by separating the flaky particles and expressing their mass as a
percentage of the mass of the sample tested. The test is not applicable to material passing a
6.30 mm BS test sieve or retained on a 63.0 mm BS test sieve.

APPARATUS
  Metal Tray 
  Oven 
  Balance 
  Test sieves 
  Mechanical sieve shaker 
  Metal thickness gauge 
 Dimensions are shown in fig 

(All dimensions in mm)

Fig Metal Thickness Gauge

PREPARATION OF SAMPLE:
 Perform the sieve analysis and rejection of particles retained on a 63.0 mm test
sieve and passing a 6:30 mm test sieve. 
 0
 Dry the sample by heating at a temperature of 105 C to achieve a dry mass which
is constant to within 0.1 %. Allow to cool and weigh. 

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PROCEDURE:
 Carry out the sieve analysis. Discard all aggregates retained on the 63.0 mm test
sieve and all aggregate passing the 6.30 mm test sieve. 
 Weigh each of the individual size-fractions retained on the sieves, other than the 63.0
 mm BS test sieve, and store them separate trays with their size marked on the trays. 
 A minimum of 200 pieces of each fraction to be tested are taken and weighed. 

 In order to separate flaky material, each fraction is then gauged for thickness on
a thickness gauge having elongated stats. 

 The width of slot used to should be of the dimensions specified for the appropriate
 size of material. 
 Each fraction /each particle is tried to pass through its respective slot. 

 The flaky particles passing from the particular gauge is weighed and lists them in ta-
ble as given below. 
Table for calculation.
Size of AGG (MM) Wt. of fraction Thickness Wt. of each
Passing Retained consisting at gauge fraction pass-
Through on least (200) size (mm) ing thickness
pieces (g) gauge (g)
Col-3
Col-5
Col-1 Col-2 Col-4
63.0 50.0 33.9
50.0 37.5 26.3
37.5 28.0 19.7
28.0 20.0 14.4
20.0 14.0 10.2
14.0 10.0 7.2
10.0 6.30 4.9

CALCULATION
Flakiness index is the total weight of the material passing the various thickness gauges, ex-
presses as the total weight of the sample gauged, so

F.I = (∑col-5 / ∑col3) X 100 (%)

RESULT:

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B. Elongation Index
Designation
BS: 812-105.2:1990
SCOPE:
This test method is used to determining the elongation index of coarse aggregate.

PRINCIPLE
 Aggregate particles are classified as elongated when they have length (greatest di-
mension) of more than 1.8 of their mean sieve size, this size being taken as the mean
of the limiting sieve apertures used for determining the size fraction in which the par-
ticle occurs. The elongation index is found by separating the elongated particles and
expressing their mass as a percentage of the mass of sample tested. 

 The test is not applicable to material passing a 6.30 mm test sieve or retained on a
50.0 mm test sieve. 

APPARATUS
  Metal Trays 
  Oven 
  Balance 
  Test sieves 
  Mechanical sieve shaker 
  Metal length gauge 
 Dimensions are shown in fig 
 

(all dimensions in mm)

Fig metal length gauge

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PREPARATION OF SAMPLE:
 Perform the sieve analysis and rejection of particles retained on a 50.0 mm test
sieve and passing a 6:30 mm test sieve. 
 0
 Dry the sample by heating at a temperature of 105 C to achieve a dry mass which
is constant to within 0.1 %. Allow to cool and weigh. 

PROCEDURE:
 Carry out the sieve analysis. Discard all aggregates retained on the 50.0 mm test
sieve and all aggregate passing the 6.30 mm test sieve. 

 Weigh each of the individual size-fractions retained on the sieves, other than the 50.0
 mm BS test sieve, and store them separate trays with their size marked on the trays. 
 A minimum of 200 pieces of each fraction to be tested are taken and weighed. 

 In order to separate elongated material, each fraction is then gauged individually
for length in a length gauge. 

 Select the length gauge appropriate to the size fraction under test (see Table) and
gauge each particle separately by hand. Elongated particles are those whose greatest
dimension prevents them from passing through the gauge, and these are placed to
 one side. 
 Aggregates are tried to retain on gauge with their long sides 
 The elongated particles passing from the particular gauge is weighed and lists them
in the table as given below. 
Table

Size of AGG (MM) Wt of fraction Length Wt of each frac-

Passing Retained consisting at gauge tion retained on
Through on least (200) size length gauge (g)
pieces (g) (mm) Col-5
Col-1 Col-2 Col-3 Col-4

50.0 37.5 78.7

37.5 28.0 59.0
28.0 20.0 43.2
20.0 14.0 30.6
14.0 10.0 21.6
10.0 6.30 14.7

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CALCULATION:
Elongation Index is the total weight of the material retained on the various length gauges, ex-
pressed as the total weight of the sample gauged, so

E.I = (∑col-5 / ∑ col-3) x 100 (%)

RESULTS:

Recommendations:
  (F.I) & (E.I) for Wearing Course should not be greater than 10% 
 For bitumen concrete should not be greater than 15% 

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Experiment No: 02
Loss-Angeles Abrasion Resistant Test
DESIGNATION:
AASHTO: T 96-94
ASTM: C 131-89

SCOPE:
This test method covers a procedure for testing sizes of coarse aggregates smaller than 37.5
mm for resistance to degradation.

INTRODUCTION:
Due to the movements of traffic, the road aggregates are subjected to wearing action. Re-
sistance to wear or hardness is an essential property of road aggregates, especially when
used in wearing course. Therefore the aggregates should be hard enough to resist abrasion
due to traffic. Abrasion test on aggregates are generally carried out by any one of the
following methods:
1. Los Angeles abrasion test
2. Deval Abrasion test
3. Dorry Abrasion test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of degradation of mineral aggregates of standard grading
resulting from a combination of actions including abrasion, attrition, and impact and
grinding in a rotating steel drum containing, a specified number of steel spheres, and the
number de-pending upon the grading of test sample. As the drum rotates, a shelf plate picks
up the sam-ple and steel spheres carrying them around until they are dropped to the opposite
side of the drum, creating an impact crushing effect. The contents then roll with in the drum
with an abrading and grinding action until the shelf plate impacts and cycle is separated.
After the prescribed number of revolutions, the contents are removed from the drum and the
aggregate portion is sieved to measure the degradation as percent loss.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE:

Material used in highway pavements should be hard and resist wear due to the loading from
compaction equipment, the polishing effect of traffic and the internal abrasive effect of re-
peated loadings.
The Los-Angeles test has been widely used as an indicator of the relative quality or compe-
tence of various sources of aggregate having similar mineral compositions.

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APPARATUS:

1. Los Angeles machine:

Consists of a hollow steel cylinder, closed at both ends, having following
specifica-tions,
  Inside diameter 711± 5 mm (28 in). 
  Inside length 508 ± 5 mm (20 in). 
 Mounted on slab shafts about which it rotates on a horizontal axis. 

 It has an inside shelf extending full length of cylinder and projecting inward 89 ± 2
 mm (3.5 in). 
2. Abrasive charge:
Consists of cast iron spheres
 Approximately 4.7 cm in diameter. 

 390 to 445 g. weight. Ensuring that the total weight of charge is 5000 + 25g. For
12 nos. 

 The number of spheres used depends in sample grading, usually 12 nos. cast iron or
 steel spheres 
3. Sieves.
  Sieve of size - 1.7mm 
4. Balance, etc.

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PROCEDURE:

 Take the sample of aggregates, Separate it into individual size fractions, and
recom-bine to the grading of Table 1 most nearly corresponding to the range of
sizes in the aggregate as furnished for the work. 

 Wash the test sample conforming to any of the sample grading (Table 1) and dry
at 105-110°C to constant weight. Take the weight of the sample in gm (W1). 

 Place the sample in the cylinder along with the specified charge. Fix the cover of the
machine and rotate it at a speed of 30 to 33 rpm for 500 revolutions. 

 After prescribed number of revolutions, Discharge the material from the machine
and make a preliminary separation of the sample on a sieve courses than 1.70 mm
(No.12). Sieve the finer portion in a 1.70 mm sieve. 

 Wash the material coarser than 1.70 mm and oven dry at 105-110°C to constant
weight weigh in gm (W2). 

CALCULATIONS:

Calculate the loss (difference between the original mass and the final mass of the of the test
sample) as a percentage of the original mass of the test sample. Report this value as the per-
cent loss.
Original weight of the sample = W1 gm.
Weight of aggregate retained on 1.7 mm sieve of the test = W2
gm. Los Angeles abrasion value = 100* (W1 - W2)/ W1
The result of the Los Angeles Abrasion value is expressed as a percentage wear.

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RECOMMENDATIONS:
Aggregates having Abrasion value greater than 50% are rarely allowed.
Maximum recommended abrasion value for wearing course is 40% and for base course
is 50%.

Table (Grading of Test Samples and wt. of charge)

(Part A)- OBSERVATION & CALCULATIONS FOR AGGREGATES:

I. Type aggregate =
II. Grading =
III. # of revolution =
IV. # of spheres used =
V. Weight of charge =

RESULT:

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(Part B)- OBSERVATION & CALCULATIONS FOR BRICK BALAST:

I. Type Bricks =
II. Grading =
III. # of revolution =
IV. # of spheres used =
V. Weight of charge =

RESULT:

REMARKS:

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Experiment No: 03
Water Absorption Specific Gravity of Course Aggregates
DESIGNATION:
AASHTO: T 85-91 (2000)
ASTM: C 127-88 (1993)

SCOPE:
This method is used to determine the specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate.
The specific gravity may be expressed as bulk specific gravity, bulk specific gravity
(saturated-surface-dry (SSD). or apparent specific gravity. The bulk specific gravity (SSD)
and absorption are based on aggregate after 15 hours soaking in water.
This method is not intended to be used with lightweight aggregates.
The values stated in SI unit’s are to be regarded as the standard.

INRODUCTION:

 Absorption—the increase in the mass of aggregate due to water in the pores of

the material, but not including water adhering to the outside surface of the particles,
ex-pressed as a percentage of the dry mass. The aggregate is considered "dry" when
it has been maintained at a temperature of 110 A 5°C for sufficient time to remove
all uncombined water. 

 Specific Gravity—the ratio of the mass (or weight in air) of a unit volume of a
material to the mass of the same volume of water at stated temperatures. Values are
dimensionless. 

 Apparent Specific Gravity—the ratio of the weight in air of a unit volume of
the impermeable portion of aggregate at a stated temperature to the weight in air of
an equal volume of gas-free distilled water at a stated temperature. 

 Bulk Specific Gravity—the ratio of the weight in air of a unit volume of aggregate
(including the permeable and impermeable voids in the panicles, but not including the
voids between particles) at a stated temperature to the weight in air of an equal
volume of gas-free distilled water at a stated temperature. 

 Bulk Specific Gravity (SSD)—the ratio of the mass in air of a unit volume of
aggregate, including the mass of water within the voids filled to the extent achieved
by submerging in water for approximately 15 hours (but not including the voids
between particles) at a stated temperature, compared to the weight in air of an equal
volume of gas-free distilled water at a stated temperature. 

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE:

 Bulk specific gravity is the characteristic generally used to for calculation of the
volume occupied by the aggregate in various mixtures containing aggregate,

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including Portland cement concrete, bituminous concrete and other mixtures that
 are proportioned or analyzed on an absolute volume basis. 
 Bulk specific gravity is also used in the computation of voids in aggregate. 

 Apparent specific gravity pertains to the relative density of the solid material
making up the constituent particles. 

 Absorption values are used to calculate the change in mass of an aggregate due to
water absorbed in the pore spaces within the constituent particles, compared to the
dry condition. 

APPARATUS:
 Wire Basket—perforated, electroplated or plastic coated with Wire hangers for
sus-pending it from the balance. Approximately equal breadth and height, with a
capacity of 4 to 7 L for 37.5-mm nominal maximum size aggregate. 

 Water Tank.—A Water-tight container for suspending the basket, Equipped with
 an overflow outlet for maintaining a constant water level. 
  Sieves—A 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve or other sizes as needed. 
  Dry Soft Absorbent Cloth—75cm x 45cm (2 nos.). 
 Shallow tray—minimum 650 sq.cm area. 

  Balance. 
 Oven 

SAMPLE:
 A sample not less than 2000g should be used. 

 Thoroughly mix the sample of aggregate. Reject all material passing through
4.75mm (No. 4) sieve. 

Nominal Maximum size, mm (in) Minimum Mass of sample, kg (lb)

12.5 (1/2) or less 2 (4.4)
19.0 (3/4) 3 (6.6)
25.0 (1) 4 (8.8)
37.5 (1 ½) 5 (11)
50 (2) 8 (18)
PROCEDURE:


Dry the test sample at a temperature of 110±5 degree centigrade for 37.5mm
 nominal size, longer time required for larger size. 
 Cool in air at room temperature for 1 to 3 hours. 
 Subsequently immerse the aggregate in water at room temperature for a period of
15 to 19 hours. 

 Remove the test sample from water and roll it in a large absorbent cloth until all
visi-ble films of water are removed. Take care to avoid evaporation of water from
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aggregate pores during the operation of surface drying. 


 Determine the mass of the test sample in the saturated surface dry (SSD) condition, as
B.

 After determining the mass C immediately place the saturated surface dry test
sample in the sample container and determine its mass in water at 23 degree
 centigrade. Remove all entrapped air before taking the mass while it is immersed. 
  Dry the test sample at a temperature of 110 ± 5 degree centigrade in oven. 
  Cool in air at room temperature for 1 to 3 hours. 
 Determine the mass and use it as A in the calculations 

EQUATIONS FOR CALCULATIONS

( )

( )

Where,
A = mass of oven dry test sample in air, g
B = mass of SSD test sample in air, g
C = mass of saturated test sample in water, g

Density can be determined, if required, by multiplying specific gravity with density of

water i.e. by 62.4 lb/ft³ or 1 g/cc.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Water absorption values should not be greater than 2% for materials used in road
surfacing and 4% for base course materials.
Coarse and fine fractions in an aggregate mixture should approximately have the same
specific gravities otherwise gradation mixtures should be analyzed carefully.

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OBSERVATIONS & CALCULATIONS:

A = mass of oven dry test sample in air = g
B = mass of SSD test sample in air = g
C = mass of saturated test sample in water = g

( )

( )

RESULTS:

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Experiment No: 04
AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE TEST

DESIGNATION (NUMBER)
B.S. 812: Part 112: 1990.

SCOPE OF TEST:
This test is used to determine the aggregate impact value (AIV) which gives a relative
measure of the resistance of an aggregate to sudden shock or impact. Two procedures are
used as described in BS: 812, one in which the aggregate are tested in a dry condition, and
the other in a soaked condition.
The methods are applicable to aggregates passing at 14.0 mm test sieve and retained on a
10.0 mm test sieve.
INTRODUCTION:
Aggregates play an important role in the design and construction of highway and
air field pavements. They are also major part of rigid (concrete) and flexible (asphalt)
pavements.

AGGREGATE is a combination of sand, gravel, crushed stone or other material of mineral

composition. Aggregate may be classified as natural or manufactured natural aggregates are
taken from natural deposits without change in their nature during production, with the
exception of crushing, sizing, grading or washing. Manufactured aggregates include blast
furnace slag, clay, slate and lightweight aggregates. Further, the aggregates could be
classified as fine and coarse. According to ASTM C125,

 FINE AGGREGATE is defined as aggregate passing no-4 (4.75 mm) sieve and
retained on no. 200 (75 _Micron m) sieve. 

 COARSE AGGREGATE is defined as aggregate retained on no. 4 (4.75 mm) sieve. 

  TOUGHNESS 
It 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 aggregates should therefore be tough enough to resist fracture
under impact.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE:

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.
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PRINCIPLE:
A test specimen is compacted, in a standardized manner, into an open steel cup. The
specimen is then subjected to a number of standard impacts from a dropping weight. This
action breaks the aggregate to a degree which is dependent on the impact resistance of the
material. This degree is assessed by a sieving test on the impacted specimen and is taken as
the aggregate impact value (AIV).

APPARATUS:

Impact testing machine

 The machine shall be of the general form shown in figure 1, have a total mass of
between 45 kg and 60 kg, having the parts as described below. 

a) A circular metal base, with a mass of between 22 kg and 30 kg, with a plane lower
surface of not less than 300 m-m diameter and shall be supported on a level and plane
concrete or stone block floor.
b) Means for raising the hammer and allowing it to fall freely between the vertical
guides from a height of 380 ± 5 mm on to the test sample in the cup, and means for
adjusting the height of fall within 5 mm.
c) Means for supporting the hammer, whilst fastening or removing the cup.
 Cylindrical steel cup, having an internal diameter of 102 ± 0.5 mm and an internal
depth of 50 ± 0.25 mm. The walls shall be not less than 6 mm thick. The cup shall
be rigidly fastened at the centre of the base and be easily removed for emptying. 

 Metal hummer, with a mass of between 13.5 kg and 14.0 kg, the lower end of which
shall be cylindrical in shape, 100.0mm ± 0.5 diameter and 50 ± 0.15 mm long, with a
1.5 mm chamfer at the lower edge, and case hardened. The hammer shall slide freely
between vertical guides so arranged that the lower (cylindrical) part of the hammer is
 above and concentric with die cup. 
  Balance, of capacity not less than 500 readable to 0.1 g. 
 Well-ventilated oven thermostatically controlled at a temperature of 105 ± 5 °C. 

 Temping rod, made out of straight iron or steel bar of circular cross section, 16 ± 1
mm diameter and 600 ± 5 mm long, with both ends hemispherical. 

 Cylindrical metal measure, of sufficient rigidity to retain its form under rough usage
 and with an internal diameter of 75 ± 1 mm and an internal depth of 50 ±1 mm. 
 BS Sieve. Size 14 mm, 10 mm and 2.36 mm. 

PREPARATION OF TEST SPECIMENS IN A DRY CONDITION:

 Thoroughly sieve the entire dried test portion on the 14 mm and 10 mm test sieves to
remove the oversize and undersize fraction. Divide the resulting 14 mm to 10 mm size
fractions to produce three test specimens each of sufficient mass to fill the measure.
When it is filled by the procedure as described here. 


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 Dry the test specimens by heating at a temperature of 105 ± 5 °C for a period of

not more than 4 hrs. cool to room temperature before testing. 

 Fill the measure to overflowing with the aggregates comprising the test specimen
by means of scoop. 

 Tamp the aggregate with 25 blows of the rounded end of the tamping rod, each
blow being given by allowing the tamping rod to fall freely from a height of about
50 mm above the surface of the aggregate and the blows being evenly distributed
over the surface. 

 Remove the surplus aggregate by rolling the temping rod across, and in contact
with, the top of the container. Remove by hand any aggregate which impedes its
progress and fill any obvious depressions with added aggregate. 

 Record the net mass of aggregate M1 in the measure and use the same mass for the
second test specimen. 

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Fig. Impact Testing Machine

PROCEDURE

 Rest the impact machine, without wedging or packing, upon the level plate, block
or floor, so that it is rigid and the hammer guide columns are vertical. 

 Fix the cup firmly in position on the base of the machine and place the whole of
the test specimen in it and then compact by 25 strokes of the tamping rod. 

 Adjust the height of the hammer so that its lower face is 380 ± 5 mm above the upper
surface of the aggregate in the cup and then allow it to fall freely on to the aggregate. 

 Subject the test specimen to a total of 15 such blows, each being delivered at an inter-
val of not less than 1 s. 
 Remove the crushed aggregate by holding the cup over a clean tray hammering on
the outside with the rubber mallet until the particles are sufficiently disturbed to
enable the mass of the specimen to fall freely on to the tray. 

 Transfer fine particles adhering to the inside of the cup and the underside of the
ham-mer to the tray by means of the stiff bristle brush. Weigh the tray & the
aggregate & record the mass of aggregate used (Mi) to the nearest 0.1 g. 


Sieve the whole of the specimen in the tray on the 2.36 mm test sieve until no further
significant amount passes during a further period of 1 min. Weigh and record the
masses of the fractions passing and retained on the sieve to the nearest 0.1 g (M2 and
M3 respectively), and if the total mass (M2 + M3) differs from the initial mass (Mi)
 by more than 1 g, discard the result and test a further specimen. 
 Repeat the procedure as described above for other sample with same mass. 
CALCULATIONS:
The aggregate impact value is expressed as the percentage of the fines formed in terms of
the total weight of the sample
Aggregate Impact Value (AIV) = (M2/M1)*100
Where:
  M1 =Mass of the test specimen 
 M2 = Mass of the test specimen passing 2.36 mm test sieve 

RECOMMENDATIONS:

AIV (%) Quality

< 10 Exceptionally strong
10-20 Strong
10-30 Satisfactory
> 35 Too weak for road construction
RESULT:

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Experiment No: 05
Penetration of Bituminous Materials
Designation:
AASHTO: T 49- 03
ASTM: D 5- 97
DEFINITION
The “PENETRATION” is defined as the distance traveled by the needle
in-to the bitumen.
Measured in tenth of millimeter (decimillimetre i.e. in dmm)

SCOPE

This test method covers determination of the penetration of semi-solid and solid
bituminous materials.
The needles, containers and other conditions described in this test method provide for the de-
terminations of penetrations up to 500.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE

The penetration test is used as a measure of consistency. Higher values of penetration

indi-cate softer consistency.
The test is the basis upon which the penetration grade bitumen s are classified into standard
penetration ranges.

APPARATUS AND SPACIFICATIONS

  Penetration Apparatus 
  Penetration Needle 
  Thickness 1 to 1.02 mm 
 Length as required usually 50 mm needle used 

o o
 Angle of tapering 8 40’ to 9 40’ 
  Total load (counter weight + needle) 100 grams 
  Sample Container 
  Water Bath 
  Transfer Dish 
  Timing Device 
  Maximum Penetration time 5 seconds 
  Thermometers 

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 Calibrated thermometer 
o 0
 Maintain the 25 ±0.1 C temperature during test

Fig. Needle for Penetration

PREPARATION OF TEST SPECIMEN

 Heat the sample with care, stirring when possible to prevent local overheating, until
it has become sufficiently fluid to pour. 
 0
 In no case should the temperature be raised to more than 60 C above the expected
0
 sof-tening point for tar pitch or to more than 90 C above it for petroleum asphalt. 
 Do not heat samples for more than 30 minutes. Avoid incorporating bubbles into
sample. 

 Pour the sample into the sample container to a depth such that, when cooled to the
temperature of test, the depth of the sample is at least 10 mm greater than the depth
 to which the needle is expected to penetrate. 
 Pour two separate portions for each variation. 

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 Loosely cover each container as a protection against dust and cool in air at a tempera-
0
ture between 15 and 30 C for 1 to 1.5 h for the small container and 1.5 to 2 h for the
taller. 

 Then place the two samples together with the transfer dish, if used, in the water bath
maintained at the prescribed temperature of test. 

 Allow the smaller container to remain for 1 to 1.5 h and the taller container to
remain for 1.5 to 2 h. 

0.14 to 0.16 mm
8* 40’ to 9* 40’ Slope

1.0 to 1.02 mm Thickness

Approx. 6.35 mm

AS REQUIRED

Fig. Needle for Penetration

TEST CONDITIONS / SPACIFICATIONS

Where the conditions of there are no specifically mentioned, the temperature, load, and
time are mentioned in ASTM D 5-97 standard specifications for bitumen penetration test to
0
be 25 C, 100 g, and 5s, respectively.
PROCEDURE
 Examine the needle holder and guide to establish the absence of water and other
ex-traneous materials. If the penetration is expected to exceed 350, use a long
needle, other wise use a short needle. 

 Clean a penetration needle with toluene or suitable solvent, dry with a clean cloth, and
insert the needle into the penetrometer. 

 Unless otherwise specified place the 50g weight above the needle, making the total
weight 100±0.1g. 

 If tests are to be made with the penetrometer in the bath, place the sample
container directly on the submerged stand of the penetrometer. 

 Keep the sample container directly on the submerged stand of the penetrometer.
Keep the sample container completely covered with water in the bath. 
 If the tests are to be made with the penetrometer outside the bath, place the sample
container in the transfer dish, cover the container completely with water from the con-
stant temperature bath and place the transfer dish on the stand of the penetrometer. 

 Position the needle by slowly lowering it until its tip just makes contact with the sur-
face of the sample. This is accomplished by bringing the actual needle tip into
contact with its image reflected on the surface of the sample from a properly placed
source of light. 

 Either note the reading of the penetrometer dial or bring the pointer to zero. Quickly
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release the needle holder for the specified period of time and adjust the instrument
to measure the distance penetrated in tenths of a millimeter. 

 Make at least three determinations at points on the surface of the sample not less
than 10mm from the side of the container and not less than 10mm apart. 

 If the penetration is greater than 200, use at least three needles leaving them in
the sample until the three determinations have been completed. 

LIMITATIONS OF TEST
 Penetration less than 2dmm and greater than 500mm cannot be determined with

accu-racy. 
 Temperature control is critical. 

PRECATIONS
 Sample must be prepared according to standard procedure as mentioned in
 specifica-tions. 
  Straightness of needle must be checked. 
  Needle must be clean and correct. 
  Temperature during test must be within limits. 
  Accuracy of timing device must be cheeked. 
 Penetration must be measured within specified time otherwise results are not reliable. 

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

CONCULSIONS AND REMARKS

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Experiment No: 06
Softening point of bitumen (Ring and Ball Apparatus)
Designation:

AASHTO: T 53-96 (2000)

ASTM: D 36-95

INTRODUCTION
“SOFTENING POINT” is the temperature at which substance attains
a particular degree of softening under specified conditions.
SCOPE
This test method covers the determination of the softening point of bitumen in the range from
0 0
30 to 157 C (86 to 315 F) using the ring-and-ball apparatus immersed in distilled water (30
0 0 0
to 80 C), USP glycerin (above 80 to 157 C), or ethylene glycol (30 to 110 C).

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE

 Bitumen is viscoelastic material without sharply defined melting points; they
gradual-ly become softer and less viscous as the temperature rise. For this reason,
softening points must be determined by an arbitrary and closely defined method if
 results are to be reproducible. 
  Useful in classification of bitumen. 
  Indication of tendency of material to flow at elevated temperature. 
 Bitumen with higher softening point is less susceptible to temperature changes. 

 To check the consistency of penetration grade, oxidized bitumen can also be
meas-ured by determining the softening point. 

APPARATUS AND SPACIFICATIONS

  Rings 
  Two square shouldered brass rings 
  Pouring plate 
  A flat smooth brass plates approximately 50mm x 75mm 
  Balls 
  Two steel balls 
  Dia 9.5mm 
  Mass 3.5±0.05g 
  Ball-centering guides 
 2 brass guides 

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  Water Bath 
  A glass vessel 
  Minimum inside diameter 85 mm 
  Minimum depth 120 mm 
  Ring holder and assembly 
  Distance between the ring holder shell and bottom plate must be 25mm 
  Distance from base of bath and bottom plate shell be 16±3mm 
  Thermometers 
o
 Range from -2 to +80 C 

RECOMMENDATIONS
 Soft bitumen 35---- 43 o C
 Hard bitumen 48---56o C

Fig . Ring and Ball Apparatus

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REAGENTS AND MATERIALS

 Bath liquids: 
  Freshly boiled distilled water. 
  UPS glycerin 
  Ethylene glycol 
  Release agents 
 Silicon 

TEST CONDITIONS
  Water is used for bitumen having softening point up to 80o C 
  Glycerin is used for softening point higher than 80o C 
  Rate of increase of temperature in bath is 5o C per minute. 
 Test must be performed at least twice. 

TEST SPECIMENS
 Do not start unless it is planned to complete preparation and testing of all asphalt
specimens within 6 h and all coal-tar pitch specimens within 4(1/2) h. Heat the bitu-
men sample with care, stirring frequently to prevent local overheating, until it has
be-come sufficiently fluid to pour. Stir carefully to avoid incorporation of bubbles in
the sample 

 Heat the two brass rings (but not the pouring plate) to approximate pouring tempera-
 ture and place them on the pouring plate treated with one of the release agents. 
  Pour a slight excess of the heated bitumen into each ring, and then allow the speci- 
mens to cool in ambient air for at least 30 min. For materials that are soft at room 

temperature, cool the specimen for at least 30 min at an air temperature at least
0 0
10 C (18 F) below the expected softening point. From the time the specimen disks
are poured, no more than 240 min shall elapse before completion of the test. 

 When the specimens have cooled, cut away the bitumen cleanly with a slightly
heated knife or spatula, so then each disk is flush and level with the top of its ring. 

PROCEDURE

 Assemble the apparatus in the laboratory hood with the specimen rings, ball-
centering guides, and thermometer in position, and fill the bath so that the liquid
depth will be in position 105± 3 mm (4(1/8 ±1/8 in,) with the apparatus in place. 

 Place the bath in ice water, if necessary, or gently heat to establish and maintain the
proper starting bath temperature for 15 min with the apparatus in place. Take care
not to contaminate the bath liquid. 

 Again using forceps, place a ball from the bottom of the bath in each ball-
centering guide. 

 Heat the bath from below so that the temperature indicated by the thermometer rise at a

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0 0
uniform rate of 5 C (9 F) min (note 7). Protect the bath from drafts, using shields if
necessary. Do not average the rate of temperature rise over the test period. The maxi-
0
mum permissible variation for any 1-min period after the first 3 min shall be ±0.5 C 
0
(±1.0 F). Reject any test in which the test of temperature rise does not fall within
the-se limits.
 Record for each ring and ball the temperature indicated by the thermometer at the in-
stant the bitumen surrounding the ball touches the bottom plate. If the difference be-
tween the two temperatures exceeds 10C (20F) repeat the test. 

CALCULATION
 For a given bitumen specimen, the softening point determined in a water bath will be
lower than that determined in a glycerin bath. Since the softening point determination 

is necessarily arbitrary, this difference matters for softening points slightly
0 0
 above 80 C (176 F). 
0 0
 To convert softening points slightly above 80 C (176 F) determined in water those
0 0
de-termined in glycerin, the correction for asphalt is +4.2 C (+7.6 F) and for coal-tar
0 0
 pitch is +1.7 C (+3.0 F) for referee purposes, repeat the test in a glycerin bath. 
 Results obtained by using an ethylene glycol bath will vary from those using water

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and glycerin. The following formulas shall be used to calculated the difference: 

Asphalt:
0
 Sp (glycerin) =1.026583* Sp (ethylene glycol)-1.334968 C 
0
  Sp (water) = 0.974118* Sp (ethylene glycol)-1.44459 C 
 Coal tar: 

0
 Sp (glycerin) = 1.044795* Sp (ethylene glycol)-5.063574 C 
0
 Sp (water) = 1.061111* Sp (ethylene glycol)-8.413488 C 

REPORT

0 0
 When using ASTM thermometer 15 C, report to the nearest 0.2 C the mean or
cor-rected mean of the temperature. 

 When using ASTM thermometer 16C report to the nearest 0.50C or 1.00F the mean
 is corrected mean of the temperatures recorded in 9.6 as the softening point. 
 Report the bath liquid use in the best. 

CALCULATIONS AND OBSERVATIONS

REMARKS AND CONCLUSIONS

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Experiment No: 07
Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup
Designation:
AASHTO: T 48-99
ASTM: D 92-96
INTRODUCTION
“FLASH POINT” the temperature at which the vapors given off from
the binder first burn with the brief flash of blue flame

“FIRE POINT” the temperature at which the vapors continue to burn for
a period of at least 5 seconds
SCOPE

0
This test method is applicable to all petroleum products with flash points above 79 C
0 0 0
(175 F) and below 400 C (752 F) except fuel oils.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE:

 The flash point is one measure of the tendency of the test specimen to form a
flamma-ble mixture with air under controlled laboratory condition. 

 Flash point is used in shipping and safety regulations to define flammable and
com-bustible material. 

 Flash point can indicate the possible presence of highly volatile and flammable mate-
rial in a relatively non-volatile or nonflammable material. 

 This test method shall be used to measure and describe the properties of materials,
products, or assemblies in response to heat and a test flame under controlled laborato-
ry condition and shall not be used to describe or assemblies under actual fire risk of
materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. 

 The fire point is one measure of the tendency of the test specimen to support combus-
tion. 

 Bitumen material leaves out volatiles at high temperature. The quantity of volatile
de-pends upon their grades. These volatile catches fire and causing flash at particular
temperature. 

 This condition is very hazardous, it can be avoid if paving engineer know the
flash point of bitumen therefore he can control the application temperature. 

 Flash and fire point test is primarily safety test, it indicates the maximum
temperature at which the bitumen can be heated safely. 

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RECOMONDATIONS
o
Flash point of most penetration grades lies in the range of 246 to 316 C

APPARATUS

  Cleveland open cup apparatus (manual) 

  Consists of test cup, heating plate, test flame applicator, heater and supports. 
  Cleveland open cup apparatus (automated) 
  Temperature measuring device 
  Temperature ranges from -7o C to +400o C 
  Test flame 
 Natural gas (methane) 

REAGENTS AND MATERIALS

  Cleaning solvents 
 Verification fluid 

PREPARATION OF APPARATUS
  Support the manual or automated apparatus on a level steady table. 
 Tests are to be performed in a draft-free room or compartment. 

 Wash the test cup with the cleaning solvent to remove any test specimen or traces of
gun or residue remaining from a previous test. 

 Support the temperature measuring device in a vertical position with the bottom of the

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device located 6.4 ± 0.1mm (1/4 ± 1/50 in) up from the bottom of the inside of the test
cup and located at a point halfway between the center and the side of the test cup and the
side of the test cup on a diameter perpendicular to the arc (or line of the sweep of the test
flame and on the side opposite to the test flame applicator mounting position. 

 Prepare the manual apparatus or the automated apparatus for operation according to
the manufacturer s instruction for calibrating. Checking, and operating the equipment. 

Fig. Cleveland open cup apparatus (manual)

PROCEDURE
 Fill the test cup with the sample so that the top of the meniscus of the test specimen is
exactly at the filling mark and place the test cup on the center of the heater. 
 0 0
 The temperature of the test cup and the simple shall not exceed 56 C (100 F)
 below the expected flash point. 
 Solid material shall not be added to the test cup 

 Light the test flame and adjust it to a diameter of 3.2 to 4.8mm (1/8 to 3/16in) or
 to the size of the comparison bead, if one is mounted on the apparatus. 
  Apply heat initially at such a rate that the temperature as indicated by the temperature 

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0 0
measuring device increases 14 to 17 C (25 to 30 F) per min. when the test specimen
0 0
temperature is approximately 56 C (100 F) below the expected flash point, decrease
0 0
the heat so that the rate of temperature rise during the last 28 C (50 F) before the
0 0
 flash point, is 5 to 6 C (9 to 11 F) / min. 
  Apply the test flame when the temperature of the test of specimen is approximately 
0 0
28 C (50 F) below the expected flash point and each time there after at a
0
temperature reading that is a multiple of 2 C. 
0 0
 During the last 28 C (50 F) rise in temperature prior to the expected flash point,
care shall be taken to avoid disturbing the vapors in the test cup with rapid
movements or drafts near the test cup. 
 0 0
 When foam persists on top of test specimen during the 28 C (50 F) rise in
temperature prior to the expected flash, terminate the test and disregard any result. 

 Meticulous attention to all details relating to the test flame, size of the test of flame,
rate of temperature increase, and rate of passing the test flame over the test
specimen required for proper results. 

When testing materials where the expected flash point temperature is not known, bring
0 0
the material to be tested and the test cup to a temperature no greater 50 C (122 F), or
when required heating to be transferred into the test cup, bring material to that
0 0
temperature. Apply the test flame beginning at least 5 C (9 F) above the starting the
0 0
temperature. Continue heating the test specimen at 5 to 6 c (9 to 11 F)/min and testing
0 0
the material every 2 C (5 F) as described in until the flash point is obtained.
 Record, observed flash point the reading on the temperature-measuring device at
the time the test flame causes a distinct flash in the interior of the test cup. 

 The simple is deemed to have when a large flame appears and instantaneously propa-
gates itself over the entire surface of the test specimen. 

 The application of the test flame can cause a blue halo or an enlarge flame prior to the
actual flash point. This is not a flash point and shall be ignored. 
 0
 When the apparatus has cooled down to a safe handling temperature, less then 60 C
0
(140 F), remove the test cup and clean the test cup and the apparatus as
 recommended by the manufacture. 
 To determine the Fire Points, continue heating the test specimen after recording the 

0
flash point such that the test specimen temperature increase at the rate of 5 to 6 c(9
0 0 0
to11 F)/min. continue the application of the test flame at 2 C(5 F) intervals until the
test specimen ignites and sustains burning for a minimum of 5s. Record the tempera-
ture of the test specimen when the test flame was applied which caused the test spec-
imen to ignite. Sustain burning as the observed fire point of the test specimen. 
 0
 When the apparatus has cooled down to a safe handling temperature less then 60 C
0
(140 F) remove the test cup and clean the test cup and the apparatus recommended
by the manufacturer. 

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CALCULATION

Observe and record the ambient barometric pressure (see note 21) at the time of the test.
When the pressure differs from 101.3 KPa (760mmHg), correct the flash point or fire
points, or both, as follows:

 Corrected flash point= C+0.25(101.3-k) (1)

 Corrected flash point= F+0.06(760-p) (2)
 Corrected flash point= C+0.033(760-p) (3)

Where:
0
C=observed flash point, C,
0
F=observed flash point, F,
P=ambient barometric pressure, mm Hg, and
K=ambient barometric pressure, KPa,

When the ambient. Barometric pressure is below 101.3kpa (760mm) round up the cor-
0
rected flash point or fire point, or both, to the nearest 1 C and record. When ambient baro-metric
pressure is above 101.3 KPa (760mm), round down the corrected flash point or fire point, or
0
both the nearest 1 C and record.

PRECAUTIONS
  Before starting the test apparatus must be clean and properly erected. 
  Sample container should be prepared according to specifications. 
  Operator should take the appropriate precautions during the application of flame. 
  Safety measures must be adopted during test because higher temperature is hazardous. 
 Rate of application of temperature should be controlled. 

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

REMARKS AND CONCLUSIONS

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Experiment No: 08

Ductility of Bituminous Materials

Designation:
AASHTO: T 51-00
ASTM: D113-99

“DUCTILITY” property of bituminous material is measured by the

dis-tance to which it will elongate before breaking under tensile force.
SCOPE

This method covers the determination of ductility of bitumen.

The ductility of a bituminous material is measured by the distance to which it will elongate
before breaking when two ends of a briquette specimen of the material, (described in appa-
ratus and specifications), are pulled apart at a specified speed and at a specified temperature.
Unless otherwise specified, the test shall be made at a temperature of 25±0.50C and with a
speed of 5cm/min ±5.0%. At other temperature the speed should be specified.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE

  This test method provides one measure of tensile properties of bituminous materials. 
 Used to measure ductility for specification requirements. 

 Ductility is desirable to overcome the movements induced in the surfacing by
 traffic and temperature, 
 High ductility corresponding to high susceptibility to temperature. 

APPARATUS

 Mold 
 Water bath 
 Testing machine 
 Thermometer 

APPARATUS SPACIFICATIONS
 Water bath - volume of water should not be less than 10 litters. 

 Testing machine - for pulling of briquettes of bitumen material apart, any apparatus
can be used which is constructed so that the specimen will be continuously
immersed in water, having uniform speed without undue vibration. 
 Thermometer- temperature range -8 to 320 C. 

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 Mold should be design as in fig.

Made by brass
Part b and b’ known as clip
Part a and a’ known as sides of the mold

A—Distance between centers. 111.5 to 113.5

mm. B—Total length of briquet, 74-5 to 75.5 mm.
0—distance between clips, 29.7 to 30.3 mm. D—
Shoulder, 6.8 to 7.2 mm.
E—Radius. 15.75 to 16.25 mm.
F—Width at minimum cross section, 9.9 to 10.1 mm.
G—Width at mouth of clip, 19.8 to 20.2 mm. H—
Distance between centers of radii, 42.9 to 43.1 mm. I—
Hole diameter, 6.5 to 6-7 mm.
J—Thickness, 9.9 to 10.1 mm.

PROCEDURE

 Assemble the mold on a brass plate. Thoroughly coat the surface of the plate and inte-rior
surface of the mold with a thin layer of a mixture of glycerin and dextrin, talc, or kaolin
(china clay) to prevent the material under test from sticking. The plate upon which the
mold is placed shall be perfectly flat and level so that the bottom surface of the mold will
be in contact throughout. Carefully heat the sample to prevent local overheating until it
has become sufficiently fluid to pour. Strain the melted sample through a 300-µm
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sieve. After a thorough stirring, pour it into the mold. In filling the mold, take care
not to disarrange he parts and thus distort the briquette. In filling, pour the material in
a thin stream back and forth from end to end of the mold until the mold is more than
level full. Let the mold containing the material cool to room temperature for a period
of from 30 to 40 min and then place it in the water bath maintained at the specified
temperature of test for 30 min; then cut of the excess bitumen with a hot straightedge
putty knife or spatula to make the mold just level full.
 Keeping specimen at standard temperature place the brass plate and mold, with bri-
quette specimen, in the water bath and keep at the specified temperature for a period
of from 85 to 95 min. Then remove the briquette from the plate, detach the
sidepieces, and immediately test the briquette.
 Testing attach the rings at end of the clips to the pins or hooks in the testing machine
and pull the two clips apart at a uniform speed as specified until the briquette
ruptures. A variation of +_5% from the speed specified will be permissible. Measure
the dis-tance in centimeters, through which, the clips have been pulled to produce
rupture. While the test is being made, the water in the tank of the testing machine
shall cover the specimen both above and below it by at least 2.5 cm and shall be kept
continuous- ly at the temperature specified within 0.50C. 

Fig. Mold for Ductility Test Specimen

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Fig. Testing Machine

TEST CONDITIONS
  Temperature During Test 250 ± 0.50 C 
 Speed of Pulling 50mm/Min Until Sample Rupture 

REPORT

 A normal test is one in which the material between the two clips pulls out to a point or
thread until rupture occurs at the point where the thread has practically no cross-
sectional area. Report the average of three normal tests as the ductility of the sample. 

 If the bituminous material comes in contact with the surface of the water or the bot-
tom of the bath, the test shall not be considered normal. Adjust the specific gravity
of the bath by the addition of either methyl alcohol or sodium chloride so that the
bitu-minous material neither comes to the surface of the water, nor touches the
bottom of the bath at any time during the test. 

 If a normal rest is not obtainable in three tests, report the ductility as being unobtaina-
ble under the condition of the test. 

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

REMARKS / CONCLUSIONS

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 Highway And Traffic Engineering Lab Manual

26. Experiment No. # 9

To Perform The CBR Test for the Sub-grade on the given
Soil sample.
Designation:
AASHTO: T193-99(2003)
ASTM: D1883-05

Scope & objective:

The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test is commonly used to obtain an indication of
the strength of a
  Sub grade soil 
  Sub base, 
  Base course material 
 for use in road and airfield pavements. 


 CBR value is a percentage comparison with the standard crushed rock from Califor-
 nia. Thus this test is a comparison test. 
 Definition of CBR 

 “It is the ratio of corrected force per unit area required to penetrate a soil mass with
standard circular piston at the rate of 1.25 mm/min. to that required for the corre-
 sponding penetration of a standard material” 
  Apparatus: 
  CBR Mould 
  Spacer Disk 
 Compaction equipment 
 Scale Weights 
  Penetration piston 
  Soaking tank 
  Loading device 
  Drying oven etc... 
 Sample: 

 If Material passing 19mm sieve is 100% all the material will be used for the
sample preparation. 

 But if material larger than 19mm is present, that material shall be removed and re-
placed with an equal amount of material passing the 19mm but retained on the No. 4
sieve. Material for replacement shall be obtained from the original representative
 sample. 

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 Highway And Traffic Engineering Lab Manual

 Test Procedure 
Moisture Density Relations
Calculate Moisture content & Dry Density, using AASHTO T 99 or T 180
Take approximately 11 kg (25 lbs) of selected sample.

CBR Specimen Preparation

  6.8kg each sample 

  Add optimum moisture content 
  Thoroughly mix the soil sample 
  Fill the CBR mould in 3 or 5 layers 
  Compaction effort of 10, 30, 65 
 Record the weights 
Now place the prepared mould including with the dial gauge and the surcharge weight into
the water for 96 hours. (To record the swell percentage)

Penetration Procedure

 Remove the moulds from the water and drain it for least 15 min 

 Place annular weight of 10 lbs on the surface of the specimen. 

 Place the mould in the CBR Machine and record load readings at penetrations of 
0,0.5,1.0,1.5,2.0,2.5,3.0,3.5,4.0,4.5,5.0,5.5,6.0,6.5,7.0,7.5,8.0,8.5,9.0,9.5, and 10 mm. .

Calculations
Calculation of dry density for each mould, i.e. 10, 30, 60

Summary of CBR Result

  Design of Pavement using CBR 
  Assignment 
  Contents 
  Introduction 
  Main components of Pavement design 
  Scope and Objective of the CBR Test 
  Description of Apparatus 
  Test procedure 
  Test results, table ,graphs and calculations 
  Limitations 
 Flexible pavement Design 

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 Highway And Traffic Engineering Lab Manual

Conclusion

Department of Civil Engineering BUITEMS, Quetta Page 43