Name of Student: _________________ Roll No.

_____________

Session: ________________________ Section: _____________

Transportation Engineering-II Lab

CIEN-4202

Department of Civil Engineering

KHWAJA FAREED UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING &

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, RYK
SR.
EXPERIMENT NAME
NO

1 Layout of Transportation Engineering Lab

Determination of the Flakiness and the Elongation Index for the given
2 Aggregate Sample.

Determination of angularity number for the given aggregate sample.

3

Specific Gravity (Relative Density) and water absorption test for

4 Aggregates

LOS ANGLES abrasion test on aggregates

5

6 Aggregate Impact Value test

7 Flash and fire point test for asphalt by Cleveland open Cup

8 Penetration Test on Bituminous Materials

9 Specific Gravity test on Bituminous material

Measuring surface frictional properties using British Pendulum skid

10
resistance tester

11 Softening Point of Bitumen (ring and ball apparatus)

2
Prepared by:
Engr. Sami Ullah
Lab Engineer
Department of Civil Engineering
KHWAJA FAREED UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & INFORMATION

3
 Preface
This Laboratory Manual is intended to provide undergraduate engineering students an understanding of
basic concepts of Construction Materials and apparatus covering all experiments related to the B.Sc. Civil
Engineering.

In this text, the related theory is discussed with the help of photographs of apparatus to quickly grasp the
basic concepts. Blank spaces are provided for observations and calculations. The manual also contains a
brief procedure for the experiments performed, precautions and blank spaces for writing results and finally
comments on results.

Any comments/suggestions by teachers/students will be highly appreciated.

4
 EXPERIMENT NO. 01
LAYOUT OF TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING LAB

PURPOSE:
Layout of Transportation Engineering lab (List of experiments and location of their respective apparatus)

Figure 1.1: Layout of Transportation Engineering-II lab

5
Department of Civil engineering

.
LAYOUT DETAILS:

DIMENSIONS:

Sr. Location Name of the

Description

No. No. Apparatus

6
Department of Civil engineering

7
Department of Civil engineering

EXPERIMENT NO. 02
Determination of the Flakiness and the Elongation Index for the given
Aggregate Sample.
ASTM REFERENCE
ASTM D 4791
RELATED THEORY
The test is used to determine the shape of the aggregate particle.
The usual shapes are
i. Rounded (river gravel)
ii. Flaky (laminated)
iii. Elongated
iv. Angular (crushed rock)

Rounded aggregates are preferred in concrete roads (rigid pavement). As it increases the
workability of concrete mixes due to reduce friction.
Angular shape of the particles is desirable in granular base coarse (flexible pavement) due to
better interlocking and increased stability.
Flaky and Elongated particles are considered as a source of weakness.

FLAKY PARTICLES
 A Flaky particle is the one whose least dimension (thickness) is less than 0.6 times the
mean size.
 These are the materials of which the thickness is small as compared to the other two
dimensions.
 Limit of the Flaky particles in the mixes is 30%. If the flaky particles are greater than
30% then the aggregate is considered undesirable for the intended, use.
FLAKINESS INDEX
It is the percentage by weight of flaky particles in a sample. The flakiness index is
calculated by expressing the weight of Flaky particles as a percentage of the total weight of the
sample.
ELONGATED PARTICLES
These are the particles having length considerably larger than the other two dimensions
and it is the particle whose greater dimension is 1.8 times larger than the mean size.

8
Department of Civil engineering

Limit of elongated particles in the mixes is 45%. Thus, if the elongated particles are
greater than 45% then the sample is undesirable for intended use.
ELONGATION INDEX
It is the percentage by weight of elongated particles in a sample. The elongated index
is calculated by expressing the weight of elongated particles as percentage of the
total weight of the sample.

SIGNIFICANCE
Significance of flakiness & elongation index as follows:
 The degree of packing of particles of one size depends upon their shape.
 Flaky and Elongated particles lower the workability of concrete mixes due to high
ratio of surface area to volume.
 For concrete, the presence of Flaky and Elongated particles is considered
undesirable as they may breakdown due heavy loads and cause inherent
weakness.
 The particle shape is required to be as good as possible but British Standard
practice makes allowance for the fact that with normal crushing and screening the
particle shape deteriorates into smaller size.

 BS-1241 specifies a Flakiness index not exceeding 30%

irrespective of the aggregate size.
 Maximum permitted value of Elongated index is 35% for
aggregate sizes 2 1/2’-2’ 40% for 1 ½’-3/4’ & 45% for ½’ – 3/8’

 Both Flakiness and Elongation tests are not applicable to size smaller than 6.3mm
or ¼’ sieve.
APPARATUS
 Length / Elongation Index Gauge
 Thickness / Flakiness Index Gauge
 Aggregate sample to be tested

9
Department of Civil engineering

PROCEDURE
1-FLAKINESS INDEX DETERMINATION
 The apparatus consists of standard thickness gauge.

 The aggregates are first sorted on test sieves into a number of closely limited
particle size groups.
 Each group (fraction) is weighed and tested for thickness on appropriate opening
of the thickness gauge by passing each particle through slot of specified thickness
along least dimension. This is repeated for all the fractions.
 The weight of particles passing the thickness gauge is recorded for each fraction.
This is the weight of flaky particles.
 The flakiness index is calculated by expressing the weight of flaky particles as a
percentage of total weight of the sample.

2- ELONGATION INDEX DETERMINATION

 The apparatus consists of length gauge.

10
Department of Civil engineering

 The aggregates are first sorted on test sieves into a number of closely limited
particle size groups.
 Each group (fraction) is weighed and tested for length on appropriate opening of
the length gauge. The pieces of aggregate which do not pass through the specified
length of the gauge are separated and weighed. These are termed as elongated
particles. This is repeated for all the fractions.
 The elongated index is calculated by expressing the weight of elongated particles
as a percentage of total weight of the sample.
Calculations & Observations:
Total sample weight = ___________

Sieve Analysis of Aggregate

Difference
No. Sieve Retained Retained Passing in Passing Removing
of Number Weight Percentage Percentage Percentage Error
Obs (gm) (%) (%) (%)
.

01- 2¿
11}} over {2¿ ¿
02-

03- 1¿
3}} over {4 ¿ ¿
04-
1}} over {2¿ ¿
05-
3}} over {8 ¿ ¿
06-
1}} over {4 ¿ ¿
07-

08- Pan

09 Total ---- ---- ----

11
Department of Civil engineering

Flaky Index

No. Sieve Number Retained Particles Passing Particles

Of Corrected Corrected
Obs. Pass Retain Weight Percentage (%) Weight Percentag (%)
(gm) (%) =Diff. x Per. (gm) e =Diff. x Per.
(%)
1
¿ }} over {2¿
01- 2 1 ¿
1
¿
02- 1}} over {2¿ ¿ 1
3}} over {4 ¿ ¿
¿
03- 1
3}} over {4 ¿ 1¿}} over {2¿ ¿
04-
1}} over {2¿ ¿3}} over {8 ¿ ¿
05-
3}} over {8 ¿ 1¿}} over {4 ¿ ¿
06-
1}} over {4 ¿ ¿
07- Pan ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----

08- Total ---- ---- ---- ----

Conclusion:

12
Department of Civil engineering

Elongated Index

No. Sieve Number Retained Particles Passing Particles

Of Corrected Corrected
Obs. Pass Retain Weight Percentage (%) Weight Percentag (%)
(gm) (%) =Diff. x Per. (gm) e =Diff. x Per.
(%)
1
¿ }} over {2¿
01- 2 1 ¿
1
¿
02- 1}} over {2¿ ¿ 1
3}} over {4 ¿ ¿
¿
03- 1
3}} over {4 ¿ 1¿}} over {2¿ ¿
04-
1}} over {2¿ ¿3}} over {8 ¿ ¿
05-
3}} over {8 ¿ 1¿}} over {4 ¿ ¿
06-
1}} over {4 ¿ ¿
07- Pan ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----

08- Total ---- ---- ---- ----

Conclusion:

13
Department of Civil engineering

EXPERIMENT NO. 03
Determination of angularity number for the given aggregate sample.
ASTM REFERENCE
ASTM C 1252-17
OBJECTIVE
This test is also carried out for determining shape of aggregates. Based upon the
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.
RELATED THEORY
Shapes of particles
The usual shapes are
i. Rounded (river gravel)
ii. Flaky (laminated)
iii. Elongated
iv. Angular (crushed rock)
ANGULARITY
It is the absence of roundness. An aggregate particle, which is more rounded, is
less angular and vice versa.
ANGULARITY NUMBER
It 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 perfectly rounded aggregates and 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 7-10 is preferred.
SIGNIFICANCE

14
Department of Civil engineering

 The degree of packing of particles of single sized aggregate depends on the

angularity of aggregates.
 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 highly rounded grave to about 11 for
freshly crushed angular aggregates.
 Higher the angularity number, more angular and less the workable is the concrete
mix.
 In rigid pavements the rounded aggregates are preferred for high workability.
 In flexible pavements, angular aggregates with high angularity number are
preferred for high stability due to better interlocking and friction.
APPARATUS
1. A metal cylinder of about 3 -liter capacity
2. Temping rod of circular cross-section, 16mm, 60 com in length rounded at one
end.
3. A metal scoop.
4. A weighing balances.
PROCEDURE
This procedure is for aggregate size ¾’ to No. 4. If aggregate is coarser than ¾’ 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
temping 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 cylinder is calculated.
CALCULATIONS AND RESULTS
METHOD-1
Add measured quantity of water in the compacted aggregate till all 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.
Volume of water added
Angularity Number = x 100−33
Total volume

15
Department of Civil engineering

METHOD-2
100 W
Angularity Number =67−
C Gs
Where,
W= mean weight of the aggregate filling cylinder
C= weight/volume of water that can completely fill the cylinder (3liter=3000ml)
Gs= specific gravity of the aggregate
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
OBSERVATIONS
Specific gravity of the aggregate =
Total volume of the cylinder =
Weight
(gm) Volume Angularity Number
No. of water
Of added
Obs. (gm)
Cylinder
Empty Cylinder + agg. + Aggregat Method Method
cylinder +aggregate water e #1 #2

01-

02-

03-

The angularity number is _________.

Conclusion:

16
Department of Civil engineering

EXPERIMENT NO. 04
Specific Gravity (Relative Density) and water absorption test for Aggregates
ASTM REFERENCE
ASTM C 127-15
RELATED THEORY
Specific Gravity
It is defined as ratio of weight of solid to the weight of an equal volume of gas free
distilled water (no dissolved impurities) at a stated temperature.
Water Absorption
It is the ratio of weight of water absorbed to the weight of dry sample expressed as
percentage. It will not include the amount of water adhering to the surface of the particles.
Coarse Aggregates
Those aggregates which are retained on BS #4 sieve (ASTM SIEVE 4.75mm) are known
as coarse aggregate.
Fine Aggregates
Those aggregates which are passed on BS #4 sieve (ASTM SIEVE 4.75mm) are known
as coarse aggregate.
Saturated Surface Dry (S.S.D) condition
It is the condition related with the aggregate particles in which the permeable pores of the
aggregate particles are filled with water but without free water on the surface of the particles.
Oven Dried Specific Gravity
It is the ratio of oven dried density of the aggregate to the density of the gas free distilled
water at a standard temperature.
Saturated Surface Dry Specific Gravity
It is the ratio of saturated surface dry density of the aggregate to the density of the gas
free distilled water at a standard temperature.

17
Department of Civil engineering

Apparent Specific Gravity

It is the ratio of apparent density of the aggregates to the density of the gas free distilled
water at a standard temperature.

TYPES OF CRUSH AVAILABLE IN PAKISTAN

1- SARGODHA Crush
Sargodha crush possess the following properties;
 Greenish/Dark Gray in color
 High Strength
 Usually Elongated particles
2-MARGALLA Crush
Margalla crush possess the following properties;
 Light Gray in color
 Low in strength

3- SAKHI SARWAR Crush

Sakhi Sarwar crush possess the following properties;
 Whitish in color
SIGNIFICANCE
In this test method we will determine the relative density, specific gravity and water
absorption of the coarse aggregates.
 The knowledge of the specific gravity is important for the concrete technologist to
determine the properties of the concrete made from such aggregates.
 It is used for the calculation of the volume occupied by the aggregates in various
mixes and generally it ranges from 2.5 to 3.
 The pores at the surface of the particles affects the bond between the aggregates
and the cement past thus influences the strength. Smaller the number of pores,
higher will be the specific gravity hence more will be the bond strength and more
strength.
 Though higher specific gravity of aggregate is considered as an indication of its
high strength; it is not possible to judge the suitability on this basis alone without
finding other mechanical properties like abrasion etc.
 Water absorption is a measure of porosity of aggregates and its resistance to frost
action.

18
Department of Civil engineering

 Higher water absorption means more pores hence aggregate will be the
considered as weak.
 Water absorption value ranges from 0.1-2% for aggregate normally used in roads
surfaces.
 Aggregates with water absorption up to 4% are acceptable in base coarse.

APPARATUS:
 Balance 5kg capacity readable to 0.5g.
 Sample container in the form of a wire mesh bucket of capacity 4000-7000 cm3 and not
more than 6.3mm mesh.
 Suitable arrangement for suspending the container in water from center of the balance.
 A container for filling water and suspending the wire mesh bucket.
 Shallow tray and absorbent cloth.
 Thermostatically controlled oven.
SAMPLE
Take representative sample. Reject all material passing #4 sieve, weight of sample to be
used for the test would depend upon the nominal maximum size as given in table below.
Nominal (mm) 12.5 19 25 37.5 50 63 75 90
Maximum
size
(in) 1 3 1 1 2 1 3 1
1 2 3
2 4 2 2 2

Maximum sample 2 3 4 5 8 12 18 25
wt. (kg)

PROCEDURE:
 Thoroughly wash the aggregates to remove any dust. Oven dry and cool the
aggregates for 1 to 3 hours and then immerse in water for 24 hours.
 Remove the specimen from water and roll it in a large absorbent cloth until all
visible films of water are removed.
 Weigh the specimen in saturated surface dry condition.
 Place the saturated surface dry specimen in wire mesh bucket and weight it in
water. Shake the bucket to remove all entrapped air before weighing.
 Dry the sample to constant weight in oven, cool and weigh.
OBSERVATIONS

19
Department of Civil engineering

Weight of oven dried aggregate in air (gm) A=

Weight of saturated surface dry aggregate in air (gm) B=
Weight of saturated aggregate and bucket in water (gm) W1 =
Weight of bucket in water (gm) W2 =
Weight of saturated aggregate in water C= W1 - W2 =
CALCULATIONS
Oven dried Bulk Specific Gravity Sd = A / (B – C)
Saturated surface dry Bulk Specific Gravity Ss = B / (B – C)
Apparent Specific Gravity Sa = A / (A – C)
Water Absorption WA = [(B – A) / A] x 100
Bulk SSD Apparen
No. Container A B C Specific Specific t Water
Of Weight Oven SSD Wt. in Gravity Gravity Specific Absorption
Obs. (gm) Dry Wt. Water Gravity
A B A B− A
X10
B−C B−C A−C A
0

01-

02-

03-

Conclusion:

20
Department of Civil engineering

EXPERIMENT NO. 05

LOS ANGLES ABRAISION TEST ON AGGREGATES.

ASTM REFERENCE
ASTM C 131

Related Theory
Abrasion:
It is defined as “resistance of a material against wear, scratching and degradation”.
Pounding Action:
Striking action of an object on a surface for a short instant of time is called pounding.
LOS ANGLES ABRASION VALUE:
It is an indicative of the abrasion strength of the aggregate.
It can be computed using the following relationship;
original weight−Final weight
Los angles value = x 100
original weight
where,
final weight = weight retained on sieve # 12
NOTES:
 Larger the LAA value, softer the will be the aggregate and vice versa.
 If we have two samples to be used in the wearing surface having LAA values of 0% and
10%, then we should use the aggregate having LAA value 10 % (note this is true only for
wearing surface and the opposite is true for sub-grade, sub-base and base coarse). This is
because even 0% will provide a good hard surface but its co-efficient of friction will be
too high and it will severely damage the tires.
 If two different samples are obtained from the same source, then the results of the LAA
value will be same for both of the samples because LAA value is a material property.

21
Department of Civil engineering

SCOPE AND SIGNIFICANCE:

This test is used to assess the hardness of the aggregate
used in road construction. The road aggregate is subjected to wearing action by moving traffic
and therefore resistance to wear or hardness is an essential property of the aggregate. The
aggregate should be hard enough to resist abrasion due to traffic.
Los Angles abrasion test is used to find out the percentage wear due to relative rubbing
action between the aggregates and steel balls used as abrasive charges. Pounding action of these
balls also exists while conducting the test. The test is considered more dependable as rubbing and
pounding action stimulate field conditions.
The test has been standardized by ASTM and AASHTO.
AASHTO T 9, recommendations are the base coarse has a percent wear of 40% or less. For sub-
base coarse the requirement is 50% or less.
APPARATUS:
 Los Angles Abrasion machine- consists of a hallow steel cylinder closed at both
ends, having inside diameter of 28” and inside length of 20 “. The cylinder is
mounted on a stub shafts in such a way that it rotates about horizontal axis at 30-
33 rpm.
An opening in the cylinder with a dust tight cover is provided for the introduction
of the testing sample. A steel shelf extending full length of the cylinder and
projecting 3.5” inward is mounted on interior surface of the cylinder.

 Sieves confirming to ASTM standards

 Balance
 Abrasive charges (consisting of steel spheres 1 27/32” in diameter and each
weighing between (390-445) grams approx..439.6g.
PROCEDURE:
 The sample taken should be representative and confirming to any of the grading given in
the table.
 The sample is placed in cylinder along with the abrasive charges and the machine is
rotated for the required number of revolutions (500-1000).
 After the required number of revolutions, the material is discharged from the machine
and sieved through # 12 US sieve.
 Wash the material coarser than #12 sieve, oven dry and weigh. Then compute the LAA
value.
original weight−Final weight
Los angles value = x 100
original weight

Where,

22
 Department of Civil engineering

Final weight = weight retained on sieve #12

NOTES:
 If a large rock piece is provided for the test, first of all crush it then sieve it and then
proceed in the same manner.
 If the amount of aggregate collected in the lower sieve is less than the required
amount, then crush the aggregate in the higher sieves to get the required quantity in
the lower sieve.
 If the amount of aggregate collected in the top sieve is less than the required amount,
then sieve more aggregate in order to collect enough quantity of aggregate.
OBSERVATIONS & CALCULATIONS:
 Grading used for the Test =
 Number of Abrasive charges used =
 Original weight of the sample, W1 (gm) =
 Final weight after test (retained on sieve #12), W2 (gm) =
original weight−Final weight
Los angles value = x 100
original weight
Sieve Sizes Weight & Grading Of Test Sample (gm).
Passing Retained A B C D 1 2 3
3 in 2 ½ in - - - - 2500±50 - -
2 ½ in 2 in - - - - 2500±50 - -
2 in 1 ½ in - - - - 5000±50 5000±50 -
1 ½ in 1 in 1250±25 - - - - 5000±25 5000±25
1 in ¾ in 1250±25 - - - - - 5000±25
¾ in ½ in 1250±10 2500±10 - - - - -
½ in 3/8 in 1250±10 2500±10 - - - - -
3/8 in ¼ in - - 2500±10 - - - -
¼ in #4 - - 2500±10 - - - -
#4 #8 - - - 2500±10 - - -

Total weight Required 5000±10 5000±10 5000±10 5000±10 10000±100 10000±75 10000±50

Abrasive Charges No. of Revolutions Number of Spheres Weight of Charges

(gm)

23
Department of Civil engineering

A 500 12 5000±25
B 11 4584±25
C 8 3330±20
D 6 2500±25
1 1000 12 5000±25
2 12 5000±25
3 12 5000±25
Conclusion:

24
Department of Civil engineering

EXPERIMENT NO. 6
AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE TEST
Objective
Aggregate impact value test gives an indication of aggregate’s toughness property (i.e.
property of a material to resist impact)
Reference Standard
ASTM D5874 - 16
Apparatus
1. Aggregate impact test machine
2. Circular metal base
3. Metal hammer and a balance
4. Cylindrical steel cup

Figure 9.1 Figure 9.2

Figure 9.1: Aggregate Impact Value Test Apparatus

25
Department of Civil engineering

Figure 9.2: Parts of Aggregate Impact Value Test Apparatus

Preparation of Sample
1. The test sample should conform to the following grading:
– Passing through 12.5mm ASTM Sieve – 100%
– Retention on 10mm ASTM Sieve – 100%
2. The sample should be oven-dried for 4hrs at a temperature of 100 to 110 oC and cooled.
3. The measure should be about one-third full with the prepared aggregates and tamped with
25 strokes of the tamping rod.

Procedure
1. The cup of the impact testing machine should be fixed firmly in position on the base of
the machine and the whole of the test sample placed in it and compacted by 25 strokes of
the tamping rod.
2. The hammer should be raised to 380mm above the upper surface of the aggregates in the
cup and allowed to fall freely onto the aggregates. The test sample should be subjected to
a total of 15 such blows, each being delivered at an interval of not less than one second.

Reporting of Results
1. The sample should be removed and sieved through a 2.36mm ASTM Sieve. The fraction
passing through should be weighed (Weight ‘B’). The fraction retained on the sieve
should also be weighed (Weight ‘C’) and if the total weight (B+C) is less than the initial
weight (A) by more than one gram, the result should be discarded and a fresh test done.
2. The ratio of the weight of the fines formed to the total sample weight should be expressed
as a percentage.
B
Aggregate impact value= X 100
A
3. Two such tests should be carried out and the mean of the results should be reported.
Calculations & Observations:
No.
Of Weight of Sample Sample Passed Impact Value
Obs. A (gm) B (gm)

The average Impact Value is ________.

26
Department of Civil engineering

Conclusion:

EXPERIMENT NO 7
FLASH AND FIRE POINT TEST FOR ASPHALT BY CLEVELAND OPEN
CUP
ASTM REFERENCE
ASTM D 92-18

RELATED THEORY
FLASH POINT
Flash point is the lowest temperature corrected to a barometric pressure 101.3 kpa (760
mm Hg), at which application of a test flame causes the vapor of a specimen to ignite under
specified conditions of test.
The material is deemed to have flashed when a large flame appears and instantaneously
Propagates itself over the surface of specimen
Note: Occasionally particularly near the actual flash point, the application of test flame will
cause the blue halo or an enlarge flame’ this is not a flash and should be ignored.

FIRE POINT
It is the lowest temperature at which a specimen will sustain burning for 5 seconds
A flammable material is the one, which form flames, but does not sustain fire while the
combustible material is the one, which sustains fire/burning.

SOURCES OF BITUMEN
Bitumen is generally obtained from following three sources;

I. Naturally occurring (in West Indies)

II. Extracted from Limestone and Sandstone (procedure adopted in USA
III. From oil refineries (this is the major source of bitumen in Pakistan)

ASPHALT CEMENT AC
Asphalt cement should be oil asphalt or a mixture of refined liquid asphalt and refined solid
asphalt, prepared from crude asphaltic petroleum. It shall be free from admixture with any
residues obtained by the artificial distillation of coal, coal tar or paraffin and shall be
homogeneous and free from water.
27
Department of Civil engineering

28
Department of Civil engineering

Temperature Condition *Asphalt Grade

AC-10
Cold, mean annual air temperature ≤ 7⁰ C
AR-4000
(45⁰ F)
80 / 100 pen
AC-20
warm, mean annual air temperature between ≤
AR-8000
7⁰ C (45⁰ F) and 24⁰ C (75⁰ F)
60 / 70 pen
AC-40
Hot, mean annual air temperature > 24⁰ C
AR-8000
(75⁰ F)
40 / 50 pen

SCOPE AND SIGNIFICANCE

 Flash point measure the intensity of the sample to form a flammable with air
under controlled laboratory conditions. It is only one of a number of properties
that must be considered in assessing the overall flammability hazard of a material.
 Flash point is used in shipping and safety regulations to differentiate between
“Flammable” and “Combustible” materials.
 Flash point can indicate the possible presence of highly volatile and flammable
materials in a relatively nonvolatile or nonflammable material.
 Flash point measures the characteristics of the sample to support combustion.
 Bituminous materials give rise to volatiles at high temperature, as they are
basically the hydrocarbons. These volatile catch fire causing a flash, which is very
hazardous.
 During construction of bituminous pavements, the engineers may restrict the
mixing or application temperatures well within the limits. The test therefore gives
indication of critical temperature at and above which suitable precautions should
be taken to eliminate fire hazards during use of asphalts. In other words, heating
should be limited to a temperature well below the flash point.

APPARATUS
1. Cleveland Cup Apparatus: It consist of test cup, heating plate, test flame
applicator, heater, thermometer support and heating plate support, all conforming to the
following requirements.
o Test Cup – It is made of brass. The cup may be equipped with a handle.

o Heating Plate - A brass, cast iron, wrought iron or steel plate with a center
hole surrounded by the area of plane depression, and a sheet of a hard-asbestos
board which covers the metal plate except over the area of plane depression in

29
Department of Civil engineering

which the test cup is supported. The metal plate may be square instead of round
and have suitable extension for mounting the test flame applicator device and the
thermometer support. The metal bead is mounted on the plate so that it extends
through and slightly above a small hole in the asbestos board.

o Test Flame Applicator - The device for applying the test flame may be of
any suitable design, but the tip shall be 1.6 to 5.0 mm in diameter at the end and
the orifice shall have an approximate diameter of 0.8 mm. The device for
applying the test flame shall be so mounted to permit automatic duplication of the
sweep of the test flame, the radius of swing being not less than 150 mm and the
center of the orifice moving in a plane not more than 2.5 mm above the cup. A
bead having a diameter of 3.8 to 5.4 mm may be mounted in a convenient
position on the apparatus so the size of the test flame can be compared to it.

o Heater - Heat may be supplied from any convenient source. The use of a gas
burner or alcohol lamp is permitted, but under no circumstances are products of
combustion or free flame to be allowed to come up around the cup. An electric
heater controlled by a variable voltage transformer is preferred. The source of
heat shall be centered under the opening of the heating plate with no local
superheating.

o Thermometer speed – A device which will hold the thermometer in the

specified position during a test and permits easy removal of the thermometer
from the test cup upon completion of the test.

o Heating Plate Support – Any convenient support which will hold the
heating plate level and steady may be employed.

2. Shield: A shield having an area of 460mm2 and 610mm high and having an open front
is used.
3. Thermometer: A thermometer having the required range.

Preparation of Apparatus
Support the apparatus on a level table. Shield the top of the apparatus from strong intensity of
light by any suitable means to permit ready detection of the flash point.
Wash the test cup with an appropriate solvent to remove any oil or traces of gum or residue
remaining from a previous test. If any deposits of carbon are present, they should be removed
with steel wool. Flush the cup with cold water and dry for a few minutes over an open flame,

30
Department of Civil engineering

on a hot plate, or in an oven to remove the last traces of solvent and water. Cool the cup to at
least 56 ⁰C below the expected flash point before using.
Support the thermometer in the vertical position with the bottom of the bulb
6.4mm of the bottom of the cup and located at a point halfway between the center and side of
the cup on the diameter perpendicular to the line of the sweep of the test flame and on the
side opposite to the test flame burner arm.
PROCEDURE
 Fill the cup at any convenient temperature not exceeding 100⁰ C or above the
softening point, so that the top of the meniscus is at the filling line.
.
 Remove the excess sample using a pipette or other suitable device, however, if there
is sample on the outside of the apparatus, empty, clean and refill it. Destroy any air
bubbles on the surface of the sample.

 Lit the test flame and adjust it to a diameter of 3.8 to 5.4mm.

 Apply heat initially so that the rate of temperature rise of the sample is 14 to 17⁰ C
per minute. When the sample temperature is approximately 56⁰ C below the
anticipated flash point, decrease heat so that the rate of temperature rises for 28⁰ C
before the flash point is 5 to 6⁰C per minute.
 Starting at least 28⁰C below the flash point, apply the test flame when the
temperature read on the thermometer reaches each successive 2 ⁰C mark. Pass the test
flame across the center of the cup, at right angles to the diameter, which passes
through the thermometer. With a smooth, continuous motion apply the flame either in
a straight line or along the circumference of a circle having a radius of at least
150mm. The center of the test flame must move in a plane not more than 2.5mm
above the plane of upper edge of the cup passing in one direction first, then in the
opposite direction the next time. The time consumed in passing the test flame across
the cup shall be about one second (1 sec.). During the last 17 ⁰C rise in temperature
prior to the flash point, care must be taken to avoid disturbing the vapors in the last
cup by careless movements and or bathing near the cup.
 Record as the observed flash point the temperature read on the thermometer when a
flash appears at any point on the surface of the material, but does not confuse the true
flash with the bluish halo that sometimes surrounds the test flame.
 To determine the fire point, continue heating so that the sample temperature increases
at a rate of 5 to 6 ⁰C. Continue the application of the test flame at 2 ⁰C intervals until
the oil ignites and continue to burn for at least 5 seconds. Record the temperature at
the point as the fire point of the oil.

PRECAUTIONS
1. Do not breathe close to the apparatus as the fumes are injurious to health.

31
Department of Civil engineering

2. Turn the fans off so that the fumes can be accumulated over the cup.
3. Tip of the thermometer should not touch the bottom or sides of the cup.
4. The operator must exercise and take appropriate safety precautions during the initial
application of the test flame, since samples containing low flash material may give an
abnormally strong flash when the test flame is first applied.

CALCULATION AND REPORT

Observe and record the barometric pressure at the time of the test. When the pressure differs
from 760 mmHg, correct the flash on fire point, or both by means of the following equations:
Corrected flash on fire point, or both = C + 0.03 (760 - P)
where:
C = Observed flash or fire point, or both, to nearest 2 ⁰C and
P = Barometric Pressure, mmHg.
Record the corrected flash or fire joint value, or both, to the nearest 5 ⁰C or 2 ⁰C.

FLSH POINTS OF DIFFERENT GRADES OF ASPHALT

VISCOSITY GRADES
Property AC-2.5 AC-5 AC-10 AC-20 AC-40
Flash Point
COC, ⁰C 163 177 219 232 232
min.

NOTE: AC-10 is most commonly used in Pakistan.

OBSERVATIONS AND RESULT
No,
Of TIME
TEMPERATURE REMARKS
Obs (MINUTES)
(⁰C)
.

01-

02-
Conclusion:

32
Department of Civil engineering

EXPERIMENT NO.8
PENETRATION TEST ON BITUMINOUS MATERIALS.
ASTM DESIGNATION: D 5-97

RELATED THEORY
PENETRATION:
Consistency of a bituminous material expressed as the distance in tenths of a
millimeter that a standard needle vertically penetrates a sample of the material under known
conditions of loading, time and temperature.

SOURCES OF BITUMEN:
Bitumen is generally obtained from the following three sources;
1) Naturally occurring (in West Indies).
2) Extracted from limestone and sandstone (procedure adopted in USA).
3) From oil refineries (this is the major source of bitumen in Pakistan).

GRADES OF BITUMEN:
Bitumen is usually characterized in the following three types of grades;
1) Viscosity grades
2) Penetration grades
3) Density grades

SCOPE & SIGNIFICANCE:

1) The penetration test is used as a measure of consistency. Higher values of penetration
indicate softer consistency.
2) The test widely used all over the world for classifying bituminous material into different
grades.
3) Depending upon the climatic condition and type of construction, bitumen of different
penetration grade is used. Commonly used grades are 30/40, 60/70 and 80/100.
4) In warmer regions, lower penetration grades are preferred and in cooler regions bitumen
with higher penetration values are used.
5) The test is not intended to estimate consistency of softer materials like cut back which are
usually graded by viscosity test.

33
Department of Civil engineering

APPARATUS:
PENETRATION APPARATUS:
Any apparatus that permits the needle holder (spindle) to move vertically without
measurable friction and is capable of indicating the depth of penetration to the nearest 0.1mm,
will be acceptable.
PENETRATION NEEDLE:
The needle shall be made from fully hardened and tapered stainless steel. The standard needle
shall be Approx. 50 mm in length. The diameter of needle shall be 1.00 to 1.02 mm.
SAMPLE CONTAINER:
A metal or glass cylindrical, flat-bottom container of the following dimension shall be used.
PENETRATION DIAMETER INTERNAL DEPTH
(mm) (mm)
<200 55 35
Between 200 &350 55 70

WATER BATH:
A bath having a capacity of at least 10 liter and capable of maintaining a temperature
of 25 ± 0.1 C or other temperature of test within 0.1 oC.
o

TIMING DEVICE:
For hand operated penetrometer any convenient timing device such as an electric
timer, a stop watch, or other spring activated device, may be used provide it is graduated in 0.1
sec or less and is accurate to within ±0.1 sec for a 60 sec interval.
THERMOMETERS:
Calibrated liquid –in-glass thermometer of suitable range with subdivisions and
maximum scale error of 0.1 oC or any other thermometer device of equal accuracy, precision and
sensitivity shall be used.

PREPARATION OF TEST SPECIMEN:

Heat the sample with care, stirring when possible to prevent local overheating, until it
has become sufficiently fluid to pour. In no case should the temperature be raised to more than
90 oC above expected softening point for petroleum asphalt (bitumen). Do not heat samples for
more than 30 minutes. Avoid incorporating bubbles into the sample.

34
Department of Civil engineering

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 in test conditions.
Loosely cover each container as a protection against dust (covering with a lipped
beaker) and allow cooling in air at a temperature between 15 and 30 oC for 1 to 1.5 hours for the
small container and 1.5 to 2 hours for the taller.
TEST CONDITIONS:
Where the condition of test are not specifically mentioned, the temperature, load, and time
are understood to be 25 oC, 100 grams, and 5 sec, respectively. Other conditions may be for
special testing, such as the following.
TEMPERATURE LOAD TIME
(oC) (gm.) (sec)
0 200 60
4 200 60
45 50 5
46.1 50 5

In such cases the specific conditions of test shall be reported.

REPORT:
Report to nearest whole unit the average of three penetrations whose values do not differ
by more than the following:

PROCEDURE:
Examine the needle holder and guide to establish the absence of water and other extraneous
materials. Clean a penetration needle with toluene or other suitable solvent, dry with a clean
cloth, and insert the needle into penetrometer. Unless otherwise specified place the 50 gram
weight above the needle, making the total weight 100 ± 0.1 gram. Place the sample container in
the transfer dish, cover the container completely with the constant temperature bath and place the
transfer dish on the stand of the penetrometer.

PENETRATION 0 TO 49 50 TO 150 TO 249 250 TO 500

149
Maximum
difference between 2 4 12 20
highest and lowest
penetration

35
Department of Civil engineering

Position the needle by slowly lowering it until its tip just makes contact with the surface 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 release the needle holder
for the specified period of time and adjust the instrument to measure the distance penetrated in
tenths of a millimeter. If the container moves, ignore the result.
Make at least three determinations at point on the surface of the sample not less than 10 mm
from the side of the container and not less than 10 mm apart. If the transfer dish is used, return
the sample and transfer dish to the constant temperature bath between determinations. Use a
clean needle for each determination. If the penetration is greater than 200, use at least three
needles leaving them in the sample until the three determinations have been completed.

OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS:

PENETRATION
GROUP
READINGS MEAN

Conclusion:

36
Department of Civil engineering

Experiment No. 9
SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST ON BITUMINOUS MATERIALS.
ASTM DESIGNATION: D 70-76.
SPECIFIC GRAVITY:
The specific gravity of semi-solid bituminous material, asphalt cements, and soft tar pitches
shall be expressed as a ratio of mass of a given volume of the material at 25 degree C to that oa
an equal volume of water at the same temperature.

SCOPE AND SIGNIFICANCE:

1. Specific gravity of bitumen binder is a fundamental property frequently required as an aid
in classing binders for use in paving roads.
2. Bitumen weights sometimes have to be converted into volumes for asphalt mix design
calculations for which a knowledge of specific gravity is essential.
3. Specific gravity is also used in identifying the source of bitumen binder.
4. Bitumen binder has a specific gravity in the range of 0.97 to 1.02.
5. In case bitumen contains mineral impurities, the specific gravity will be higher. Thus it is
possible for a quantitative extraction of mineral impurity in bitumen.

APPARATUS:
 Pycnometer__ glass, consisting of cylindrical or conical vessel carefully ground to
receive an accurately fitting glass stopper 22 to 26 mm in diameter. The stopper shall be
provided with a hole 1 to 2 mm in diameter, centrally located in reference to vertical axis.
The top surface of the stopper shall be smooth and substantially plane and the lower
surface shall be concave in order to allow all air to escape through the bore. The stopper
Pycnometer shall have a capacity of 24 to 30 ml, and shall weigh not more than 40
grams.
 Water Bath constant-temperature, capable of maintaining the temperature within 0.1
degree C of the test tube.
 Thermometers__ calibrated liquid in glass, total immersion type, of suitable range.
 Balance__ a balance conforming to the requirements of AASHTO.
 Distilled Water__ freshly boiled and cooled distilled water shall be used to fill the
pycnometer and beaker.

PREPRATION OF SAMPLE

37
Department of Civil engineering

1. Heat the sample with care, stirring to prevent local overheating until the sample has
become sufficiently fluid to pour. While heating, keep in mind the following
considerations:
i. In no case should the temperature be raised to more than 56 degree C above expected
softening point for tar, or more than 111 degree C above the expected softening point
for asphalt.
ii. Do not heat for more than 30 minutes over a flame or hot plate or for more than 2
hours in an oven, avoid incorporating air bubbles in the sample.
2. Thoroughly clean, dry, and weigh the pycnometer to the nearest 1 mg. Designate this
mass as ‘A’.
3. Then fill the beaker with freshly boiled distilled water, placing the stopper loosely in the
pycnometer. Place the pycnometer in the beaker and press the stopper firmly in place.
Return the beaker to water bath, and allow the pycnometer to remain there for 30 mins.
Remove the pycnometer immediately dry the top of the stopper with one stroke of dry
towel, then quickly dry the remaining outside area of the pycnometer and weigh to the
nearest 1 mg. Designate the mass as ‘B’.
4. Pour enough sample into the clean, dry, warmed pycnometer to fill it about three-fourths
of its capacity. Take precautions to keep the material from touching the sides of the
pycnometer above the final level, and to prevent the inclusion of the air bubbles. Allow
the pycnometer and its contents to cool to ambient temperature for a period not less than
40 minutes, and weigh with the stopper to the nearest 1 mg. Designate the mass as ‘C’.
5. Remove the beaker from the water bath. Fill the beaker with distilled water placing the
stopper loosely on it. Do not allow any air bubbles in it. Place the pycnometer in the
beaker and press the stopper gently. Return the beaker to water bath for 30 mins. Remove
the pycnometer from the bath and dry it then weigh using the same technique as
employed in #2. Designate this as ‘D’.

CALCULATIONS
Calculate the specific gravity to the nearest third decimal as follows:
(C− A)
Specific gravity = [ ( B−A )−( D−C ) ]
¿
¿
Where,
A = mass of Pycnometer (+stopper)
B = mass of Pycnometer filled with water
C = mass of Pycnometer partially filled with asphalt, and
D = mass of Pycnometer + asphalt +water.

38
 Department of Civil engineering

OBSERVATION AND CALCULATIONS

Weights Specific gravity =

(C− A)
Group Pycnometer, Pycnometer Pycnometer + Pycnometer + [ ( B−A )−( D−C ) ] ¿
+ water Asphalt asphalt +water ¿
(A)
(B) (C) (D)

1-
2-
3-

Conclusion:

39
Department of Civil engineering

EXPERIMENT NO 10
MEASURING SURFACE FRICTIONAL PROPERTIES USING BRITISH
PENDULUM SKID RESISTANCE TESTER.
ASTM REFERENCE
ASTM E 274M-15

RELATED THEORY
The British Pendulum Skid Resistance Tester is an impact type pendulum used to
measure the energy loss when a rubber slider edge is propelled over a test surface
The values measured represent the frictional properties and are expressed as BPN (British
Pendulum Number).
SKIDDING
In skidding phenomenon, the distance travelled by wheel on the road is more than the
circumferential movement.
When brakes are applied, wheels get locked and still if the wheel moves ahead,
longitudinal skidding is said to occur.
SLIPPING
In slipping. The distance travelled by the wheel on the road is less than the circumferential
movement.
If the wheels of the vehicle are rotating but not moving forward, then slipping is said to
occur.
MEASUREMENT OF TEXTURE DEPTH
It is also necessary to record the surface texture of the road surface tested. This is
measured by Sand Patch Method.
A known volume of fine sand of uniform particle size is poured on the road and spread to
form a patch of a regular shape so that its area couldn’t be measured. Sand should be spread in
such a manner that all” valleys” are filled to level of “peaks. Then the texture depth can be
computed by using the formula:
TEXTURE DEPTH = VOLUME OF SAND
AREA OF PATCH

40
Department of Civil engineering

Road Surface Texture Texture Depth

Coarse/Open Texture ≥ 0.02”
Medium Texture 0.02”- 0.01”
Fine Texture ≤ 0.01”

More the texture depth, better is the road surface but a high value of texture depth also increases
the chances of severe injuries.
SCOPE AND SIGNIFICANCE
 Friction between vehicle and road surface plays a vital role in determining the maximum
operating speed and the distance required in safely stopping the vehicle.
 Road pavements are designed to provide reasonably high coefficient of friction but with
the movement of traffic, the aggregates, in the wearing coarse of the road get polished
resulting in reduction of frictional or skid resistance of the road.
 British Pendulum Tester is used to measure the frictional resistance of road at sections
which appear to be potentially slippery and unsafe against skidding.
 British Pendulum Tester is use is use for field and laboratory tests.

FACTORS AFFECTING SKIDDING RESISTENCE

 Condition of Tires - Vehicles having smooth tires would have slightly lower
skidding resistance.
 Effect of Road Temperature - Skidding resistance of wet roads is higher in winter
then in summer. Skidding resistance of roads is at its lowest between April and
September. So, roads with satisfactory values in winter may prove slippery during
summer.
 Effect of Water - Skidding resistance is lower on wet the on dry pavements.
 Types of aggregate – Sand stones and granites are more resistant to polishing action
than limestone.
Higher the resistance results, better is the road surface but a high value of skid-
resistance also increases the chances of severe injuries.

APPARATUS
a) Parts
 Slider - Slider assembly consist of an aluminum backing plate to which a rubber strip
3”X 1”X 1/4” is bonded.
 Leveling screws
 Scale
 Drag pointer
 Locking and control knobs
 Frictional rings

b) Accessories

41
Department of Civil engineering

 Contact path gauge – shall consist of a thin ruler suitably marked for measuring contact
path length between (47/8” and 5”)
 Water container
 Surface thermometer and
 Brush

PREPRATION OF APPARATUS

1. Leveling – apparatus is leveled using 3 leveling screws until the bubble is

centered in the spirit level.
2. Zero adjustment – rise the pendulum mechanism by loosening knocking knob,
till it swings free of test surface. Tighten the knob. Place pendulum in release
position and drag pointer in horizontal position. Execute a free swing and note the
pointer reading. If reading is not zero, makes adjustment by friction ring until
pendulum swing carries the pointer to zero.
3. Side Length adjustment – with pendulum hanging free, place spacer under
adjusting screw of lifting handle and allow pendulum to move slowly to the left
until the edge of the slider touches the surface. Place gauge beside slider and
parallel to the direction of swing to verify the length of contact path which should
be between (4 7/8” and 5”) on flat surfaces are measured from trailing edge of the
rubber slider.
Place pendulum in release position and rotate drag pointer counter clockwise until it comes to original
position Inspect the road and choose the section to be tested. Set the apparatus so that the slider swings in
the direction of traffic.

TEST PROCEDURE
 Apply sufficient water to cover the test area thoroughly. Execute one swing but don’t
record reading.
 Make four more swings, rewetting the test area each time and record the results. The
readings should not differ by more than 3 units.
 Repeat the individual values as B.P.N. also note down the age, condition, texture and
location of test area.

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

Dimensions of Volume of
Area Texture Depth
Group patch sand
(cm x cm) (cm2) (cm3) cm inch
1-
2-

42
Department of Civil engineering

Skid
Distance Distance Surface Mean
Group Date Resistance
from (cm) texture (in) (BPN)
(BN)
1-
2-

STANDARD OF
SKID RESISTANCE SKIDDING
CATEGORY TY PE OF SITE
ON WET SURFACE RESISTANCE
REPRESENTED
Most difficult sites such
as;
I. Roundabouts
II. Bends with radius Good; fulfilling the
less than 500ft on requirements even of
derestricted roads. fast traffic, and
A III. Gradients, 1 in 20 Above 65 making it most
or steeper, of unlikely that the road
length greater will be scene of
than 100 yd. repeated accidents.
IV. Approach to
traffic lights on
derestricted roads.
Generally
General requirements i.e. satisfactory; meeting
roads and conditions not all but most difficult
B* Above 55
covered by categories A conditions
&C. encountered on the
roads.
Easy sites, e.g. straight
roads, with easy gradient
and curves, without
Satisfactory; only in
junctions, and free from
C* Above 45 favorable
any features, such as
circumstances.
mixed traffic especially
liable to create conditions
of emergency.
D All sites Below 45 Potentially slippery
*on smooth looking or fine textured roads in these categories, vehicles having smooth tyres
may not find skid resistance adequate. For such roads accidents case studies should also be
made to ensure that there are no indications of difficulties due to skidding under wet cond.

Conclusion:

43
Department of Civil engineering

EXPERIMENT NO. 11
SOFTENING POINT OF BITUMEN (RING AND BALL APPARATUS).
ASTM Designation: D 36-76
AASHTO Designation: T 53-89
SOFTENING POINT:
The softening point is defined as the mean of the temperatures at which the bitumen disks
soften and sag downwards a distance of 25 mm under the weight of a steel ball.

SCOPE & SIGNIFICANCE:

1. This method is useful in determining the consistency of bitumen as one element in
establishing the uniformity of shipments or sources of supply.
2. Softening point is the temperature at which the bituminous binders have an equal
viscosity (i.e. the consistency of all the grades will be same at the softening point e.g. if
two samples have softening points of 40ᵒC and 80ᵒC respectively, both will have the same
consistency at their softening point).
3. The test gives an idea of the temperature at which the bituminous materials attain a
certain viscosity.
4. Bitumen with higher softening point may be preferred in warmer places.
5. Softening point should be higher than the hottest day temperature, which is anticipated in
that area otherwise bitumen may sufficiently soften and results in bleeding and
development of ruts.

APPARATUS:
Ring - A brass shouldered ring.
Ball – A steel ball, 9.53mm (3/8”) in diameter, weighing between 3.45 and 3.55 grams.
Ball centering Guide – A guide for centering the ball and made of brass.
Ring Holder – the rings shall be supported on a brass ring holder.
Brass pouring plate – A flat, smooth plate approximately 75 by 50 mm that has been treated to
prevent the bituminous material from adhering to it.

44
Department of Civil engineering

Bath – A glass vessel, capable of being heated, not less than 85 mm in diameter and not less than
120 mm in depth from the bottom of the flare.
Thermometers – having a range from -2 to + 80 degree centigrade.

Test Specimens
heat the samples with care to prevent local overheating, with constant stirring until it has become
sufficiently fluid to pour. In no case however shell the temperature be raised to more than 55
degree centigrade above the expected software. For tar pitch or to more than 110 degree
centigrade above the expected softening point for asphalt. Avoid incorporating air Bubbles in the
sample.
Bring an asphalt sample to the pouring temperature in not more than 2 hours. bring Coal Tar
pitch to the desired boarding condition in minimum time not exceeding 30 minutes.
Pour a slight excess of the heated sample into two Rings preheated to approximately that pouring
temperature. while being filled the Rings shall rest on the brass plate previously treated to
prevent bitumen materials from adhering to it.
cool the specimen disc for a minute of 30 minutes. I no case shall not more than 240 minutes
elapse before completion of the test. cool specimens that are soft at room temperature for at least
30 minutes at a minimum of 8 degree centigrade below the expected softening.
After cooling cut the excess material of with heated knife it a knife or spatula in case the test is
repeated use a clean container and fresh sample to prepare the specimen test specimen.

PROCEDURE
a)- for materials having softening point 80 degree centigrade or below
assemble the practice with the rings, thermometer 15 degree centigrade for 15-degree
Fahrenheit and balls centering guides in position and fill the bath with freshly boiled water to a
depth of not less than 102 mm and not more than 108 mm. maintain the bath temperature at 5
plus minus 1 degree centigrade for 15 minutes. placing the container in the ice water is
necessary. using forceps place ball previously adjusted to the path temperature in each ball
centering guide.
apply heat in such a manner that the temperature of the liquid is raised 5 degree centigrade per
minute .avoid the effect of drafts using Shield if necessary (rigid adherence to the prescribed rate
of heating is absolutely essential for productivity of results either a gas burns or electric heaters
maybe used however the latter must be the of the Low lag variable output type to maintain
necessary rate of heating.
the rate of rise of temperature shall be uniform and shall not be average above Period of the test.
the maximum permissible variation of any 1mm Period of the first 3 mm Shall be +-0.5 degree
centigrade. rejected all tests in which the rate of rise does fall within the limits.

45
Department of Civil engineering

record for each ring and Bell the temperature shown by the thermometer at instant the specimen
surrounding the balls touches the bottom plate. make no correction for the emergent for the
thermometer if the difference between the values obtained in the duplicated determination
exceeds 1 Degree repeat the test.

b)- for materials having softening point above 80 degree centigrade

Follow the same procedure as described above except the use USP glycerin instead of water and
use ASTM thermometer 16 degree centigrade and 16-degree Fahrenheit. the starting temperature
of the glycerin bath shall be 32 degree centigrade.

Calculations & Observations:

No. Softening Point Mean

Of Degree (oC) Degree (oC)
Obs.

01-

02-

Conclusion:

46
Department of Civil engineering

THANK YOU

47