Transportation Engineering Lab Manual

Civil
IV-I
TRANSPORTATION
ENGINEERING
Lab Manual
Civil Engineering Department - Laboratory details
TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING LAB
B.Tech. IV Year I Sem. L T/P/D C Course Code: CE703PC 0 0/3/0 2
Pre-Requisites: Transportation Engineering Theory
Course Objectives: To gain the practical knowledge of properties of Highway materials and surveys
Course Outcomes: At the end of the course, the student will be able to Asses for Highway construction properties of
highway materials
I. ROAD AGGREGATES:
1. Aggregate Crushing value
2. Aggregate Impact Test.
3. Specific Gravity and Water Absorption.
4. Abrasion Test
5. Flakiness and elongation Indices of coarse Aggregates.
II. BITUMINOUS MATERIALS:

1. Penetration Test.
2. Ductility Test.
3. Softening Point Test.
4. Marshal stability Test
III. TRAFFIC STUDIES

1. Traffic volume Counts-Mid Blocks
2. Traffic volume Counts-Junctions
3. Spot speed studies.
4. Parking Studies
Name of the Faculty in charge for the laboratory:

Ms. Jogi.Seetunya
Mr. Shaik Ziaur Rahman
Location:
The laboratory is located in the room no: SR 009.

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that this manual is a bonfide record of practical work in the
TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING Laboratory in First Semester of fourth
year B.Tech (Civil) programme during the academic year 2019-20. The book is
prepared by Ms. J. Seetunya, Asst.Professor and Mr. Shaik Ziaur Rahman,
Asst.Professor Department of Civil Engineering
Signature of HOD Signature of Director Signature of Principal

S.No CONTENT Page
No
1 PREFACE i
2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ii
3 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS iii
4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS iv
5 INSTITUTE VISION AND MISSION v
6 DEPARTMENT VISION MISSION, PROGRAMME EDUCATIONAL vi

OBJECTIVES AND SPECIFIC OUTCOMES
7 PROGRAMME OUTCOMES vii
8 COURSE STRUCTURE, OBJECTIVES & OUTCOMES ix

9 EXPERIMENTAL OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES
LIST OF EXPERIMENTS
1 AGGRAGATE CRSUHING VALUE 6
2 AGGREGATE IMPACT TEST 23
SECTION 3 SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND WATER ABSORTION 29
-A
4 ABRASION TEST 32
5 SHAPE TEST 37
6 PENETRATION TEST 45
SECTION 7 DUCTILITY TEST 47

-B 8 SOFTENING POINT TEST 52
9 MARSHALL STABILITY TEST 57
10 TRAFFIC VOLUME COUNTS AT MID BLOCKS 63
SECTION 11 TRAFFIC VOLUME COUNTS AT JUNCTIONS 66

-C 12 TRAFFIC SPEED STUDIES 74
13 PARKING STUDIES 77
PREFACE
This book entitled “Transportation Engineering Lab Manual” is intended for the use of Seventh
semester (i.e., IV-I) B. Tech(civil) students of Marri Laxman Reddy Institute of Technology and
Management, Dundigal, Hyderabad. The main objective of the Transportation Engineering Lab
Manual is to teach the student basic drawing fundamentals in various civil engineering applications
in highway materials and traffic volume studies. This book lays foundation of certain basic
concepts and skills that can be repeatedly employed by the students in their future endeavors. The
book was written as per the new syllabus prescribed by the JNTUH university in a simple language.
By,
Ms. J. Seetunya
i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
It was really a good experience, working at Engineering Geology Lab. First, I would like to thank
Mr.Rehman, Asst..Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Marri Laxman Reddy Institute of
technology & Management for giving the technical support in preparing the document.
I express my sincere thanks to Mr.K.Murali, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, Marri
Laxman Reddy Institute of technology & Management, for his concern towards me and gave me
opportunity to prepare environmental engineering laboratory manual.
I am deeply indebted and gratefully acknowledge the constant support and valuable patronage of
Dr.R.Kotaih, Director, Marri Laxman Reddy Institute of technology & Management. I am
unboundedly grateful to him for timely corrections and scholarly guidance.
I express my hearty thanks to Dr.K.Venkateswara Reddy, Principal, Marri Laxman Reddy Institute
of technology & Management, for giving me this wonderful opportunity for preparing the
environmental engineering laboratory manual.
At last, but not the least I would like to thanks the entire Civil Department faculties those who had
inspired and helped me to achieve my goal.
By,
Ms. J. Seetunya
ii
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Students are instructed to come to laboratory on time. Late comers are not entertained in the
lab.
2. Students should be punctual to the lab.
3. Students are expected to come prepared at home with the experiments which are going to
perform.
4. Students are instructed to display their identity cards and apron before entering the lab.
5. Students are instructed not to bring mobile phones to the lab.
6. The computers and other accessories used in Engineering Geology lab should be handled
with care and responsibility.
7. Any damage to the computers during the lab session is student’s responsibility, and penalty
or fine will be collected from the student.
8. Students should update the records and lab observation books session wise. Before leaving
the lab, the student should get his lab observation book signed by the faculty.
9. Students should submit the lab records 2/3 days in advance to the concerned faculty members
in the staffroom for their correction and return.
10. Students should not move around the lab during the lab session.
11. If any emergency arises, the student should take the permission from faculty member
concerned in written format.
12. The faculty members may suspend any student from the lab session on disciplinary grounds.
iii
INSTITUTION VISION AND MISSION
VISION
To establish as an ideal academic institution in the service of the nation, the world and the humanity
by graduating talented engineers to be ethically strong, globally competent by conducting high-
quality research, developing breakthrough technologies, and disseminating and preserving
technical knowledge.
OUR MISSION
To fulfil the promised vision through the following strategic characteristics and aspirations:
➢
Contemporary and rigorous educational experiences that develop the engineers and
managers.
➢
An atmosphere that facilitates personal commitment to the educational success of
students in an environment that values diversity and community.
➢
Prudent and accountable resource management.
➢
Undergraduate programs that integrate global awareness, communication skills and team
building.
➢
Leadership and service to meet society’s needs
➢
Education and research partnerships with colleges, universities, and industries to graduate
➢education and training that prepares students for interdisciplinary engineering research and advanced
problem solving abilities.
➢Highly successful alumni who contribute to the profession in the global society.
iv
DEPARTMENT VISION, MISSION, PROGRAMME EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES AND SPECIFIC
OUTCOMES
VISION
The Civil Engineering department strives to impart quality education by extracting the innovative
skills of students and to face the challenges in latest technological advancements and to serve the
society.
MISSION
Provide quality education and to motivate students towards professionalism
Address the advanced technologies in research and industrial issues
PROGRAMME EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
The Programme Educational Objectives (PEOs) that are formulated for the civil engineering
programme are listed below;
PEO-I solving civil engineering problems in different circumstances PEO-II Pursue higher
education and research for professional development.
PEO-III Inculcate qualities of leadership for technology innovation and entrepreneurship.
PROGRAM SPECIFIC OUUTCOMES
PSO1. UNDERSTANDING: Graduates will have an ability to describe, analyze, and solve
problems using mathematics and systematic problem-solving techniques.
PSO2. ANALYTICAL SKILLS: Graduates will have an ability to design a system, component,
or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental,
social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
PSO3. BROADNESS: Graduates will have a broad education necessary to understand the impact
of engineering solutions in a global, economic, and societal context.
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PROGRAMME OUT COMES
a) An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering

Graduates should transform knowledge of mathematics, Physics, chemistry, Engineering
Mechanics, probability and statistics, and engineering drawing in solving a wide range of civil
engineering problems.
b) An ability to design, implement, evaluate a system and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and
interpret data
Graduates should show that they can make decisions regarding type, and number of data points to
be collected, duration of the experiment to obtain intended results, and demonstrate an
understanding of accuracy and precision of data
(c) An ability to design, implement and evaluate a system, or process to meet desired needs
Graduates should be able to: identify the project goal; define the project; search for alternative
possibilities; choose the best of the possible solutions; create a design drawing, design plan, or
computer simulation; evaluate the design; and justify the final design in written and oral forms.
d) An ability to function effectively on multi-disciplinary teams

Graduates should show that they can efficiently participate as team members with people who
bring different skills, expertise, and perspectives to a project; and with people from different sub-
disciplines of civil engineering and interdisciplinary groups.
e) An ability to identify, formulate, analyse and solve engineering problems

Graduates should be able to describe the critical components of a given problem, apply
mathematical, engineering principles and to find the unknowns and arrive at appropriate and
practical solutions.
f) An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social responsibilities

Graduates should be familiar with the applicable professional code of conduct for engineers. They
should be able to apply the codes, where appropriate, to particular cases in which ethical issues
arise. Graduates should also understand the importance of professionalism.
g) An ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally

Civil engineering graduates should have the ability to speak and write effectively in various
domains like laboratory reports, technical reports, technical presentations, project reports etc.
h) The broad education necessary to analyse the impact of engineering solutions on a global and societal
context
Graduates should get exposed to the interactions among science, technology, and social values,
understand the influence of science and technology on civilisations and how science and
technology have been addressed for the betterment of humankind.
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i) Recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in continuing professional development
and life-long learning
Graduates should show that they appreciate the need for further education and self-improvement,
understand the value of professional licensure the necessity of continuing professional
developments, and the value of membership in appropriate professional organisations.
j) Knowledge of contemporary issues

Graduates should know and understand selected contemporary technical and social issues relevant
to their field of study.
k) An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering
practice
Graduates should have the ability to use practical methods readily and efficiently in the
performance of engineering analysis and design. Graduates should be able to select and use modern
engineering tools used by practising engineers, including computer software such as computer
aided drawing (CAD)
l) An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software and hardware
systems of varying complexity
Civil Graduates should have the ability to design and develop principles involved in the
construction of different structures like buildings, shopping complexes, roads, water structures and
to analyse the stability of structures using different software like staad pro. Studs etc.
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COURSE STRUCTURE, OBJECTIVES & OUTCOMES
COURSE STRUCTURE
7Transportation Engineering laboratory has a continuous evaluation during the 7th semester for 25
sessional marks and 50 end semester examination marks.
Out of the 25 marks for internal evaluation, day-to-day work in the laboratory shall be evaluated
for 15 marks and practical internal examination shall be evaluated for 10 marks conducted by the
laboratory teacher concerned.
The end semester examination conducted with an external examiner and internal examiner. The
external examiner appointed by the principal / Chief Controller of examinations
COURSE OBJECTIVE
The objective of this lab is to teach the student the quality analysis of highway materials
and measurement methods of traffic volume counts.
COURSE OUTCOME
At the end of the course, the student will be able to: Master the following quality tests and volume
studies
1. Hardness , strength and shape properties of aggregates

2. Melting and penetration point of bitumen
3. Compressive strength of bituminous concrete
4. Traffic volume studies and speed studies
5. Parking studies
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JAWAHARLAL NEHRU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

HYDERABAD
TRANSPORTTION ENGINEERING LAB
INDEX
S. No. List of Experiments

1 AGGREGATE CRUSHING VALUE TEST
2 AGGREGATE IMPACT VAKUE TEST
3 SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND WATER ABSOPRTION OF AGGREGATES
4 AGGREAGATE ABRASIIN VALUE TEST
5 SHAPE TEST
6 PENETRATION TEST
SOFTENING POINT TEST
7 DUCTILITY TEST
8 MARSHALL STABILITY TEST
9 TRAFFIC VOLUME COUNTS-MID BLOCKS, JUNCTIONS
10 SPEED STUDIES
PARKING STUDIES
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TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING LAB
EXPERIMENT -1
AGGREGATE CRUSHING VALUE TEST

OBJECTIVES
• To determine the aggregate crushing value of coarse aggregates as per IS:

2386 (Part IV) – 1963.
• It is the deciding factor whether it should be used in sub layer or upper layer
according to standard value it should be less than 30%.
COURSE OUTCOMES: Student can find the crushing value of the aggregate & thus
classify its suitability in construction from the following table
Classification of aggregates is as given below for both aggregate crushing & impact value:
<20% Exceptionally Strong
10 – 20% Strong
20-30% Satisfactory for road surfacing
>35% Weak for road surfacing
EXPERIMENT -2
AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE TEST
OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact value of the road aggregates and to assess their
suitability in road construction on the basis of impact value.
COURSE OUTCOMES: Student can find the crushing value of the aggregate & thus
classify its suitability in construction from the following table
EXPERIMENT -3
SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF AGGREGATES (FINE & COARSE)
OBJECTIVES: To measure the strength or quality of the aggregates having low specific
gravity than those with higher specific gravity values used for construction.
COURSE OUTCOMES: Student can find the Strength & quality of the Aggregates &
could determine its role in the design criteria of pavement/ concrete mix proportions.
EXPERIMENT -4
LOS ANGEL’S ABRASION TEST

OBJECTIVES: To determine the Los Angeles abrasion value to determine the toughness of the
aggregate and to find the suitability of aggregates for use in road construction.
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COURSE OUTCOMES: Student can find the toughness of the aggregate and thus its
suitability for the construction.
EXPERIMENT -5
SHAPE TEST OF AGGREGATES

OBJECTIVES:
• To determine the particle size & shape of the aggregate where the coarse aggregate
is larger than 6.3mm.
COURSE OUTCOMES: Student can find the shape, size & angularity of the aggregate
and thus could determine its suitability in pavement construction.
EXPERIMENT -6
A) PENETRATION POINT OF BITUMEN TEST.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the consistency of bituminous material and to assess the suitability
of bitumen for use under different climatic conditions and various types of construction.
COURSE OUTCOMES: Student can find the suitability of bitumen for use under different
climatic conditions and various types of construction.
B) SOFTENING POINT OF BITUMEN TEST.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the softening point of bitumen i.e. the temperatures at which the
bitumen disks soften and sag downwards a distance of 25 mm under the weight of a steel ball.
COURSE OUTCOMES: Student can find the temperature at which the substance attains a
particular degree of softening.
EXPERIMENT -7
DUCTILITY VALUE OF BITUMEN.
OBJECTIVES: To measure the ductility of a given sample of bitumen and to determine the
suitability of bitumen for its use in road construction.
COURSE OUTCOMES: Student can find The ductility of a bituminous material to which
it will elongate before breaking when a standard briquette specimen of the material is
pulled apart at a specified speed and a specified temperature
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EXPERIMENT -8
MARSHALL STABILITY TEST

OBJECTIVES: To determine the performance prediction measure for the Marshall mix design
method.
COURSE OUTCOMES: Student can able to understand the stability portion of
the test measures the maximum load supported by the test specimen at a loading rate of 50.8
mm/minute.
EXPERIMENT -9
TRAFFIC VOLUME STUDIES-MID BLOCKS AND JUNCTIONS

OBJECTIVES: To determine the volume of traffic moving on the roads and classifications of
roadway vehicles at a particular section during a particular time
COURSE OUTCOMES: Student can able to design a safe and optimistic flow of traffic
flow.
EXPERIMENT -10
A) SPOT SPEED STUDIES

OBJECTIVES: To determine the speed distribution of a traffic stream at a specific
location.
COURSE OUTCOMES: Student could be able to use the data collected from spot speed
studies to determine vehicle speed percentiles, which are useful in making many speed-
related decisions.
B) PARKING STUDEIS
OBJECTIVES: To understand the area under the accumulation curve between two specific
times and to Divide the parking volume for a specified period by the number
of parking spaces.
COURSE OUTCOMES: Could be able to give the rate of effective use of a parking space.
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I.ROAD
AGGREGATES
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1. AGGREGATE CRUSHING VALUE TEST
AIM: To determine mechanical properties of road stone required are:
1. Satisfactory resistance to crushing under the roller during construction and

2. Adequate resistance to surface abrasion under traffic.
DESCRIPTION OF THE APPARATUS:
The apparatus for the standard aggregate crushing test (figure 1) consists of the following:
1. Steel cylinder with open end internal diameter 25.2cm, square base plate plunger
having a piston of diameter 15cm, with a hole provided across the stem of the plunger
so that a rod could be inserted for lifting or placing the plunger in the cylinder.
2. Cylindrical measure having internal diameter of 11.5cm and a height 18cm.
3. Steel temping rod with one rounded end, having a diameter of 1.6cm and length 45 to
60cm.
4. Balance of capacity 3kg with accuracy up to 1kg.
5. Compression of testing machine capable of applying load of 40 tones, at a uniform
rate of loading of 4 tons per minute.
PROCEDURE:
➢ The aggregate passing through 12.5mm sieves and retained on 10mm IS sieve is
selected for standard test. The aggregates should be in surface dry condition before
testing. The aggregate may be dried by heating at a temperature of 1000C to 1100C for
a period of 4 hours and is tested after being cooled to room temperature.
➢ The cylinder of the test apparatus is placed in position on the base plate; one third of
the sample is placed in the cylinder and tamped 25 times by the tamping rod. Similarly,
the other two parts of the test specimen are added, each layer being subjected to 25
tampings.
➢ The surface of the aggregates is leveled and the plunger inserted so that it rests on this
surface in level position. The cylinder with the test sample and plunger in position is
placed on compression testing machine. Load is then applied through the plunger at a
uniform rate of 4 tons per minute until the total load is 40 tones, and the load is
released.
➢ Aggregates including the crushed portion are removed from the cylinder and sieved
on a 2.36mm IS sieve. The material which passes this sieve is collected.
The above crushing test is repeated on second sample of the same weight in
accordance with above test procedure. Thus two tests are made for the same specimen for
taking an average value.
CALCULATIONS:
Total weight of dry sample taken =

W1g.
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Weight of the portion of crushed material passing 2.36mm is sieve =

W2g.
The aggregate crushing value is defined as the ratio of weight of fines passing the
specified IS sieve to the total weight of the sample expressed as percentage. The value is
usually recorded up to the first decimal place.
 W2 
Aggregate crushing value=   100  =
 W1 
OBSERVATION SHEET:
SIZE OF THE AGGREGATE :
RATE OF APPLICATION OF LOAD :
TOTAL LOAD APPLIED :
S. Trail Number
Details Average
No 1 2
Weight of aggregate sample in the cylindrical

1 measure, W1gm (excluding empty weight of
cylindrical measure)
Weight of crushed aggregates passing through

2
2.36 mm sieve, W2 g
W 
3 Aggregate Crushing Value:  2  100 
 W1 
RESULTS: The mean crushing value obt
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ained in the two tests is reported as the aggregate crushing value.
Fig. 1.1 Aggregate Crushing Test Apparatus
APPLICATIONS OF AGGREGATE CRUSHING TEST:

The aggregate crushing value is an indirect measure of crushing strength of the
aggregates. Low aggregate crushing value indicates strong aggregates, as the crushed
fraction is low. Thus the test cans be used to assess the suitability of aggregates with
reference to the crushing strength for various types of pavement components. The
aggregates used for the surface course of pavements should be strong enough to withstand
the high stresses due to wheel loads, including the steel tires of loaded bullock-carts.
However as the stresses at the base and sub-base courses are low aggregates with lesser
crushing strength may be used at the lower layers of the pavement. Indian Roads Congress
and IS) have specified that the aggregate crushing value of the coarse aggregates used for
cement concrete pavement at surface should not exceed 30 percent. For aggregates used
for concrete other than for wearing surfaces, the aggregate crushing value shall not exceed
45 percent, according to the ISS. However aggregate crushing values have not been
specified by the IRC for coarse aggregates to be used in bituminous pavement construction
methods.
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VIVA QUESTIONS:
1. Aggregate crushing value of a material A is 40 and B is 25. Which one is stronger?

2. what is the reason for an Aggregate crushing value of a material A< B being stronger
3. What are applications of aggregate crushing value test?
4. What are the recommenced maximum values of aggregate crushing value for the
aggregates to be used in base courses of cement concrete pavements?
aggregates to be used in surface courses of cement concrete pavements?
6. How is the crushing strength test carried out on cylindrical stone specimen?
7. Why is the test not carried out normally?
8. How do you compare the aggregate impact value and aggregate crushing value?
9. What are desirable limits of aggregate impact value specified for different types of
pavement surface course materials?
10. What are desirable limits of aggregate impact value specified for different types of
pavement base course materials?
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13. Cylindrical measure having internal diameter of ______cm and a height ______cm is
used for the test.
14. The aggregate crushing value is an indirect measure of ____________of the
aggregates.
15 Aggregate Crushing Value is given by__________________________
16. Weight of crushed aggregates passing through __________sieve, is taken as W2
17. The aggregate crushing value is defined as the ratio of weight of fines passing the
specified IS sieve to the total weight of the sample expressed as
18. The aaggregate crushing value test on coarse aggregates gives a relative
measure of the resistance of an aggregate crushing under?
19. Coarse aggregate crushing value is the percentage by weight of the crushed
material obtained under the condition?
20. ACV is a numerical index of?
21. ACV is index used to determine?
22. ACV stands for?
23. The diameter of steel cylinder used is _________with plunger and base plate.
25. A balance of capacity _____________ readable and accurate to one gram.
26. Cylindrical metal measure of sufficient rigidity to retain its from under rough usage and
_________ diameter
27. Cylindrical metal measure of sufficient rigidity to retain its from under rough usage and of
____________ height.
28. The length of Tamping rod used for giving blows is ___________.
29. The diameter of Tamping rod used for giving blows is ___________.
30. the IS sieves of sizes of ____________ numbers are used ACV test.
31.what is the temp. at which the coarse aggregate is heated before test?
32. what is the depth of space to be left in the mould after the tampering?
33. what is meant by soiling
35.what is meant by water bound macadam
36. what is dense carpet mix?
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39. Cylindrical measure having internal diameter of height ______cm is used for the test.
40 The aggregate crushing value is an indirect measure of ____________of the
aggregates.
41. Aggregate Crushing Value is given by__________________________
42 Weight of crushed aggregates passing through __________sieve, is taken as W2
43. what is the reason for an Aggregate crushing value of a material A< B being stronger
46. How do you compare the aggregate impact value and aggregate crushing value?
47.WHAT IS AGGRAGATE VALUE ?
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2 AGGREGATE IMPACT TEST
AIM: To determine aggregate impact value of given aggregate.
THEORY: Toughness is the property of a material to resist impact. Due to traffic loads,
the road stones are subjected to the pounding action or impact and there is possibility of
stones breaking into smaller pieces. The road stones should therefore be tough enough to
resist fracture under impact. A test designed to evaluate the toughness of stones i.e., the
resistance of the stones to fracture under repeated impacts may be called an impact test
for road stones impact test may either be carried out on cylindrical stone specimens as in
Page Impact test or on stone aggregates as in aggregate impact test. The aggregate impact
value indicates a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate to a sudden shock or
an impact, which in some aggregates differs from its resistance to a slow compressive
load. The method of test covers the procedure for determining the aggregate impact value
of coarse aggregates.
APPARATUS:
(a) Impact testing machine: The machine consists of a metal base with a plane lower
surface supported well on a firm floor, without rocking. A detachable cylindrical steel cup
of internal diameter 10cm and depth of 5cm is rigidly fastened centrally to the base plate.
A metal hammer of weight between 13.5 and 14.0kg having the lower end cylindrical in
shape, 10cm in diameter and 5 cm long, with 2 mm chamber at the lower edge is capable
of sliding freely between vertical guide and fall concentric over the cup. There is an
arrangement for raising the hammer and allowing it to fall freely between vertical guides
from a height of 38 cm on the test sample in the cup, the height of fall being adjustable up
to 0.5cm. A key is provided for supporting the hammer while fastening or removing the
cup. Refer Figure 2.1.
(b) Tamping rod (c) Balance (d) Oven
(e) Sieve: IS sieve of sizes 12.5mm, 10 mm and 2.36 mm for sieving the aggregates.
PROCEDURE:
➢ The test sample consists of aggregates passing 12.5mm sieve and retained on 10
mm sieve and dried in an oven for four hours at a temperature 100°C to ll0oC and
cooled.
➢ Test aggregates are filled up to about one-third full in the mould and tamped 25
times. The surplus aggregates are struck off using the tamping rod as straight edge.
the entire sample is filled in this way I three layers.
➢ The mould is fixed firmly in position on the base of the machine and compacted
by tamping with 25 strokes.
➢ The hammer is raised until its lower face is 38cm above the upper surface of the
aggregates in the cup, and allowed to fall freely on the aggregates.
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➢ The test sample is subjected to a total of 25 such blows, each being delivered at
an interval of not less than one second.
➢ The crushed aggregate is then removed from the cup and the whole of it sieved
on the 2.36 mm sieve until no further significant amount passes.
OBSERVATION TABLE FOR AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE TEST:
S. Trail Number
Details Average
No 1 2
Weight of aggregate sample in the cylindrical

measure, W1 g
1
(excluding empty weight of cylindrical
measure)
Weight of crushed aggregates after passing

2
through 2.36 mm sieve W2 g
W 
3 Aggregate Impact Value:  2  100 
 W1 
CALCULATION:
The aggregate impact value is expressed as the percentage of the fines formed in
terms of the total weight of the sample.
Let the original weight of the oven dry sample be W1 g and the weight of fraction
passing 2.36 mm IS sieve be W2g.
W 
Aggregate impact value =  2  100  =
 W1 
This is recorded correct to the first decimal place.
RESULTS:
The mean of the two results is reported as the aggregate impact value of the
specimen to the nearest whole number.
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Aggregate impact value is to classify the stones in respect of their toughness property as
indicated below:
Aggregate impact values
< 10% Exceptionally strong
10-20% Strong
10-30% Satisfactorily for road surfacing
> 35% Weak for road surfacing
Fig. 2.1 Aggregate Impact testing Machine
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Viva Questions:
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1. Aggregate crushing value of a material A is 40 and B is 25. Which one is stronger?

Why?
aggregates to be used in base and surface courses of cement concrete pavements?
4. How is the crushing strength test carried out on cylindrical stone specimen?
6 . How is aggregate impact value is expressed
7. Aggregate impact value of material A is 20 and B is 45.
8.. Which one is better for surface course of pavements?
9. Aggregate Crushing Value is given by?
10. The property of a material to resist impact is?
11. What is the application of specific gravity test in mix design?
12. Define specific gravity
13. What is the use of finding specific gravity
14. What are the factors affecting specific gravity test
15. Discuss the importance of aggregate attrition test on road surface
16. Name other tests which can be used for testing of aggregate abrasion value
17. What are the applications of deval’s attrition test in road and pavement construction?
18. Cylindrical measure having internal diameter of ______cm and a height ______cm is
used for the test.
19. The aggregate crushing value is an indirect measures of ____________of the
aggregates.
20. Aggregate Crushing Value is given by
21. Weight of crushed aggregates passing through __________sieve, is taken as W2
specified IS sieve to the total weight of the sample expressed as
24. Aggregate impact value is to classify the stones in respect of their __________
property
25. Weight of crushed aggregates after passing through ________ sieve
26. Desirable limits of aggregate impact value specified for different types of pavement
base and surface course materials_________
27. ____________ is the property of a material to resist impact
specified IS sieve to the total weight of the sample expressed as __________
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30. Specific gravity of aggregates is considered as an indication of ___________.

31 How do you compare the aggregate impact value and aggregate crushing value?
32. What are desirable limits of aggregate materials?
33. The impact value specified for different types of pavement base and surface course
materials?
34. Coarse aggregate crushing value is the percentage by weight of the crushed
material obtained under the condition?
35. AIV is a numerical index of?
36. AIV is index used to determine?
37. AIV stands for?
38. The diameter of steel cylinder used is _________with plunger and base plate.
39. A balance of capacity _____________ readable and accurate to one gram.
40. The instrument used for Specific Gravity test for <6.3mm aggregate
41. Water absorption of aggregate is a measure of Aggregate?
42. The aggregate impact value is expressed as the percentage of the fines formed in terms
of the total weight of the sample.
43.let the original weight of the oven dry sample be W1 g and the weight of fraction
passing
W 
44.Aggregate impact value =  2  100  =
 W1 
45. IS sieve be W2g IS __________
46. Desirable limits of aggregate impact value specified for different types of pavement
base and surface course materials_________
47. ____________ is the property of a material to resist impact
48. The mould is fixed firmly in position on the base of the machine and compacted by
tamping with _____________
49.The hammer is raised until its lower face is __________above the upper surface of the
aggregates in the cup, and allowed to fall freely on the aggregates.
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3. SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF AGGREGATES
The specific gravity of an aggregate is considered to be a measure of strength or quality of

the material. Aggregates having low specific gravity are generally weaker than those with high
specific gravity. This property helps in a general identification of aggregates.
AIM: To determine the specific gravity and water absorption of the given aggregate.
Apparatus: The apparatus required for these tests are:
1. A balance of at least 3 kg capacity, with a accuracy to 0.5 g.

2. An oven to maintain a temperature range of 100 to 1100 C.
3. A wire basket of not more than 6.3 mm mesh or a perforated container of convenient size
with thin wire hangers for suspending it from the balance.
4. A container for filling water and suspending the wire basket in it.
5. Pycnometer of 100ml for aggregates finer than 6.3 mm and Specific gravity bottle for
Mineral filler
Procedure for aggregate finer than 6.3 mm:
1. A clean, dry Pycnometer is taken and its empty weight is determined.

2. About 1000g of clean sample is taken into the Pycnometer, and it is weighed.
3. Water at 27 0C is filled up in the Pycnometer with aggregate sample, to just immerse
sample.
4. Immediately after immersion the entrapped air is removed from the sample by shaking
Pycnometer, placing a finger on the hole at the top of the sealed Pycnometer.
5. Now the Pycnometer is completely filled up with water till the hole at the top, and after
confirming that there is no more entrapped air in it, it is weighed.
6. The contents of the Pycnometer are discharged, and it is cleaned.
7. Water is filled up to the top of the Pycnometer, without any entrapped air. It is then
weighed.
Table 3.2 Observation table for Specific gravity test (finer than 6.3 mm)
S.No Details Observed Values
1 Weight of Pycnometer in air: W1 g
2 Weight of aggregates and Pycnometer: W2 g
3 Weight of aggregates, Pycnometer and water: W3 g
4 Weight of water and Pycnometer in air: W4 g
5 Apparent Specific Gravity: (W2 – W1) / [(W4 – W1) - (W3 - W2 )]
Results: Apparent Specific Gravity = __________
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Specifications:
The specific gravity of aggregates normally used in road construction ranges from about
2.5 to 3.0 with an average value of about 2.68. Water absorption value ranges from 0.1 to
about 2.0 percent for aggregates normally use in road surfacing.
Applications:
Specific gravity of aggregates is considered as an indication of strength. Material having

higher specific gravity is generally considered as having higher strength. Water absorption
of aggregate is a measure of porosity. This value is considered as a measure of resistance
to frost action, and as a measure of sustaining weathering action.
VIVA QUESTIONS:
1 What is the application of specific gravity test in mix design?

2 Define Specific gravity
3 What is the use of finding specific gravity
4 What are the factors affecting specific gravity test
The specific gravity of aggregates normally used in road construction ranges from about
5 ___________ with an average value of about 2.68.
6 Specific gravity of aggregates is considered as an indication of ___________.
7 The instrument used for Specific Gravity test for <6.3mm aggregate
8 Water absorption of aggregate is a measure of _____________
This set of Basic Chemical Engineering Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs)
9 focuses on “Specific Gravity”.
What is the specific gravity of a substance with density 100 kg/m3 with respect to
10 reference substance of density 100 lb/m3?
11 It is necessary to mention the temperature at which specific gravity is calculated, because
What is the specific gravity of a substance with mass 10 kg and volume 2 m3, with
12 respect to the reference density 50 g/m3?
What is the mass of a cone of radius 1 m and height 3 m having specific gravity 0.1?
13 (Density of water = 1000 kg/m3)
14 API gravity is measured in,
API gravity is necessary for the calculation of specific gravity of petroleum products,
15 because
16 What is the API gravity of a substance with specific gravity 1?
What is the average mass of a substance with specific gravity 10, and its volume varies
17 with time as V = t/500, from t = 2, to t = 0 seconds? (Density of water = 1000 kg/m3)
Mass of a substance is changing with respect to its volume as m = -v3 + 3v2 -2v, what is
the maximum specific gravity of the substance between v = 1 m3 and v = 2 m3? (Density
18 of reference substance = 0.25 kg/m3)
What is the specific gravity of 10 Kg of water occupied in 10 m3 with respect to 200
19 g/m3?
20 What is the specific gravity of 5 Kg of water occupied in 10 m3 with respect to 500 g/m3?
22 What is the specific gravity of O2 at 27oC and 60 Pa with respect to 1 Kg/m3?
23 What is the specific gravity of N2 at 27oC and 6 Pa with respect to 0.1 Kg/m3?
This set of Basic Chemical Engineering Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs)
24 focuses on “Specific Gravity”.
25 What is the unit of specific gravity?
30
191
What is the specific gravity of a substance with mass 10 kg and volume 2 m3, with
28 respect to the reference density 50 g/m3?
31 because
Mass of a substance is changing with respect to its volume as m = -v3 + 3v2 -2v, what is
the maximum specific gravity of the substance between v = 1 m3 and v = 2 m3? (Density
34 of reference substance = 0.25 kg/m3)
What is the specific gravity of 10 Kg of water occupied in 10 m3 with respect to 200
35 g/m3?
38 What is the specific gravity of O2 at 27oC and 60 Pa with respect to 1 Kg/m3?
39 What is the specific gravity of N2 at 27oC and 6 Pa with respect to 0.1 Kg/m3?
40 Which of the following is not a unit of density?
41 What is the density of a substance of mass 10 grams and volume 5 liters?
42 A solid of density d is dropped in a liquid of density D, if d>D then,
A liquid of mass 10 kg is enclosed in a cylinder of radius 1 m and length 5 m, what is the
43 density of liquid?
What is the density of a liquid of mass 20 kg, enclosed in a cuboid of surface areas of
44 three sides as 1 m2, 2 m2, 5 m2, and one of its sides is 2 m?
What is the density of a liquid of mass 10 kg and contained in a cylinder of radius 5 m
45 and surface area (excluding top and bottom) of 10π m2?
46 What is the mass of a liquid having density 20 kg/m3, enclosed in a sphere of radius 1 m?
47 What is the mass of a cube having surface area 24 m2, and density 1 kg/m3?
An empty vessel has with mass 5 kg with volume 0.1 m3, is now completely filled with a
48 liquid of density 100 kg/m3, what is the final density of the cylinder?
A cylinder completely filled with water has density = 10 kg/m3 and volume 5 m3 , now a
cube with side 1 m and density 25 kg/m3 is dipped into the cylinder with some water
49 dropping out, what is the final density of cylinder?(neglect the mass of cylinder).
50 Specific gravity =
51 Apparent specific gravity =
52 Water Absorption =
53 The size of the aggregate and whether it has been artificially heated should be indicated.
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191
4. AGGREGATE ABRASION VALUE TEST
Los Angeles Abrasion Test
AIM: To determine Los Angeles abrasion value of the aggregate.
THEORY:
The principle of Los Angeles abrasion test is to find the percentage wear due to relative
rubbing action between aggregates and steel balls used as abrasive charge. The pounding action
of these balls also exits while conducting the test. Some investigators believe this test to be more
dependable as rubbing and pounding action simulate the field conditions where both abrasion and
impact occur. Los Angeles abrasion test has been standardized by the ASTM, AASHO and also
by the ISI. Standard specification of Los Angeles abrasion values is also available for various
types of pavement constructions.
APPARATUS:
The apparatus consists of Los Angeles machine and sieves.
Los Angeles machine consists of a hollow steel cylinder, closed at both ends having an
inside diameter 70cm and an inside length of 50cm, mounted on stub shafts about which it rotates
on a horizontal axis. An opening is provided in the cylinder for the introduction of the test sample.
A removable cover of the opening is provided in such a way that when closed and fixed by bolts
and nut, it is dust-tight and the interior surface is perfectly cylindrical. A removable steel shelf
projecting radiaIly 8.8 cm into the cylinder and extending to the full length of it is mounted on the
interior surface of the cylinder rigidly parallel to the axis. The shelf is fixed at a distance of 125
cm from the opening, measured along the circumference in the direction of rotation, Refer Figure
5.1.
Abrasive charge, consisting of cast iron spheres approximately 4.8 cm in diameter and 390 to 445
g in weight are used. The weight of the sphere used as the abrasive charge and the number of
spheres to be used are specified depending on the gradation of the aggregates tested. The aggregate
grading have been standardized as A. B. C, D. E, F, and G for this test and the IS specifications
for the grading and abrasive charge to be used are given in Table 5.1. IS sieve with l.70 mm
opening is used for separating the fines after the abrasion test.
PROCEDURE:
➢ Clean aggregates dried in an oven at 105-110°C to constant weight. Conforming to anyone

of the grading A, to G, as per Table 3.l. is used for the test. The grading or gradations used
in the test should be nearest to the grading to be used in the construction.
➢ Aggregates weighing 5 kg for grading A. B, C or D and 10 kg for grading E, F or G may
be taken as test specimen and placed in the cylinder. The abrasive charge is also chosen
in accordance with Table 3.1 depending on the grading of the aggregate and is placed in
the cylinder of the machine.
➢ The cover is then fixed dust-tight. The machine is rotated at a speed of 30 to 33 revolutions
per minute. The machine is rotated for 500 revolutions for gradations A. B, C and D, for
gradations E, F and G, it shall be rotated for 1,000 revolutions. The machine should be
balanced and driven in such a way as to maintain uniform peripheral speed.
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➢ After the desired number of revolutions, the machine is stopped and the material is
discharged from the machine taking care to take out entire stone dust.
➢ Using a sieve of size larger than 1.70 mm IS sieve, the material is first separated into two
parts and the finer position is taken out and sieved further on a 1.7 mm IS sieve. The
portion of material coarser than 1.7mm size is washed and dried in an oven at 105 to
ll0°C to constant weight and weighed correct to one gram.
CALCULATIONS:
The difference between the original and final weights of the sample is expressed as a
percentage of the original weight of the sample is reported as the percentage wear.
Table 5.1 Los Angeles Abrasion grading table
Weight in grams of each test sample in the size Abrasi

ve Weight
range, mm (Passing and retained on square holes) charge
Gra of
(numb charges,
ding 4.75
80- 63- 50- 40- 25- 20- 12.5 10- 6.3- er of
- spheres g
63 50 40 25 20 12.5 -10 6.3 4.75
2.36 )
A - - - 1250 1250 1250 1250 - - - 12 5000±25
B - - - - - 2500 2500 - - - 11 4584±25
C - - - - - - - 2500 2500 - 8 3330±20
D - - - - - - - - - 5000 6 2500±15
E 2500 2500 5000 - - - - - - - 12 5000±25
F - - 5000 5000 - - - - - - 12 5000±25
G - - - 5000 5000 - - - - - 12 5000±25
Applications of Los Angeles Abrasion Test:
Los Angeles Abrasion test is very widely accepted as a suitable test to assess the
hardness of aggregates used in pavement construction. Many agencies have specified the
desirable limits of the test, for different methods of pavement construction.
OBSERVATION SHEET:
Grade of the material =
Number of spheres used =
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191
Weight of charge =
Size of the aggregate =
Number of revolutions =
Speed of rotation =
Sample No. 1 2
Total weight of dry sample (W1) gms
Weight of aggregate retained on 1.7mm IS sieve after

the test (W2) gms
Loss in weight due to wear (W1 –W2)gms
 W1 − W2 
Los Angeles abrasion value:   100 
 W1 
RESULT: The abrasion value of given aggregate sample is
Fig 5.1: Los Angeles Abrasion Machine
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191
Viva Questions:
Why Los Angeles abrasion test considered superior to other tests to determine the
1 hardness of aggregates
2 How is Los Angeles abrasion value expressed?
The abrasion value found from Los Angeles test for aggregates A and B are 35 and
25% respectively which aggregate is harder and why? For what type of
3 constructions these are suitable
4 Briefly explain the test procedure
What are desirable limits of Los Angeles abrasion values specified for different
5 types of pavement surface course?
6 Discuss the importance of aggregate attrition test on road surface
7 Name other tests which can be used for testing of aggregate abrasion value
What are the applications of deval’s attrition test in road and pavement
8 construction?
9 Stones are obtained from rocks that are made up of:
10 Which one of the following is not a classification of stones?
11 The hot molten material occurring naturally below the surface of the Earth is called:
12 At what depth and rate is a hypabyssal rock formed?
13 What is a sedimentary deposit?
14 Which factor disturbs the equilibrium of rocks, commencing metamorphism?
15 Which of the following is not a metamorphic change?
16 Which of the following rocks are hard and durable?
17 Foliated structure is very common in case of:
What is the relation between LLR (Line of Least Resistance) and amount of
18 explosives to be used?
19 Which of the following is not an explosive used for blasting?
20 Which type of dressing does the figure below represent?
21 What is used to accelerate the process of rubbing in rubbed finish dressing?
22 Dressing of stones is carried out to:
23 How many types of dressings are there with respect to the place of work?
24 Circular finished stones are generally used for:
25 Quarry faced finished stones are also called:
26 Dynamite is a more effective explosive than gelignite.
27 What is sand blasting?
28 For a good building stone how much is the required crushing strength?
29 Which of the following is a good fire-resistant stone?
30 What is a freestone?
31 Why are stones with lighter shades of colour preferred?
32 Hardness is an important parameter considered in the construction of:
33 What is the required specific gravity for a good building stone?
The percentage absorption by weight of a good stone, after how many hours should
34 not exceed .6?
35 What texture should a building stone possess?
36 Seasoning is required for stones.
37 Toughness index of a good stone should be more than:
38 A percentage wear of 3% indicates a good stone.
39 Which test is used to find the rate of wear of stones?
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191
40 In what solution is the stone sample placed in an Acid test?

41 Which IS code gives details regarding the tests for weathering on building stones?
42 For crushing test what is the size of a specimen to be used?
In abrasion test, what material is placed in addition to the specimen in the testing
43 apparatus?
44 Which apparatus is used to test the hardness of stones?
45 Which stone has a hardness of 7 in the Mohr’s hardness scale?
46 Why CaSO4 is not used in the crystallisation test?
47 Which of the below given formulas is used to calculate hardness coefficient?
48 What are the specifications for tamping rod used in impact test?
49 Why is attrition test performed?
50 What parameter is being checked for in freezing and thawing test?
51 What is used to accelerate the process of rubbing in rubbed finish dressing?
52 Dressing of stones is carried out to:
53 How many types of dressings are there with respect to the place of work?
54 Circular finished stones are generally used for:
55 Why are stones with lighter shades of colour preferred?
56 Hardness is an important parameter considered in the construction of:
57 What is the required specific gravity for a good building stone?
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5. SHAPE TEST
INTRODUCTION:
The particle shape of aggregate is determined by the percentage of flaky and

elongated particles contained in it. In case of gravel it is determined by its angularity
number. For base course and construction of bituminous and cement concrete types, the
presence of flaky and elongated particles are considered undesirable as they may cause
inherent weakness with possibilities of breaking down under heavy loads. Rounded
aggregates are preferred in cement concrete road construction as the workability of
concrete improves. Angular shape of particles is desirable for granular base course due to
increased stability derived from the better interlocking. When the shape of aggregates
deviates more from the spherical shape as in the case of angular, flaky and elongated
aggregates, the voids content in an aggregate of any specified size increases and hence the
grain size distribution of a grade aggregate has to be suitably altered in order to obtain
minimum voids in the dry mix or the highest dry density. The angularity number denotes
the void content of the same size. Thus angularity number has considerable importance in
the gradation requirements of various types of mixes such as bituminous concrete and
soil-aggregate mixes.
Thus evaluation of shape of the particles, particularity with reference to flakiness,

elongation and angularity is necessary.
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A. FLAKINESS INDEX TEST
AIM: To determine flakiness index of a given aggregates sample.

DEFINITION: The flakiness index of aggregate is the percentage dry weight of particles whose least
dimension (thickness) is less than three-fifths (0.6) of their mean dimension. The test is not applicable to
sizes smaller than 6.3 mm.
APPARATUS: The apparatus consists of a standard thickness gauge shown in fig 5.1, IS sieves of the sizes
63, 50, 40, 31.5, 25, 20, 16, 12.5, 10 and 6.3 mm and a balance to weight the samples.
Fig. 6.1 Thickness Gauge
PROCEDURE:
➢ The sample is sieved with the sieves mentioned in the table 6.1 A minimum of 200 pieces of each
fraction to be tested are taken and weighed =W1g. in order to separate flaky materials, each friction
is then gauged for thickness on a thickness gauge shown in fig 6.1 or in bulk on sieves having
elongated slots.
➢ The width of the slot used should be of the dimensions specified in column (3) of table 6.1 for the
appropriate size of the material. The amount of flaky material passing the gauge is weighed to
accuracy of at least 0.1 percent of the test sample.
Size of aggregate a. Thickness gauge b. Length gauge (1.8

Passing through IS Retaining on IS sieve (0.6 times the mean times the mean sieve
sieve mm mm sieve) mm. ) mm.
63.0 50.0 33.90 ---
50.0 40.0 27.00 81.0
40.0 31.5 19.50 58.5
31.5 25.0 16.95 ---
25.0 20.0 13.50 40.5
20.0 16.0 10.80 32.4
16.0 12.5 8.55 25.6
12.5 10.0 6.75 20.2
10.0 6.3 4.89 14.7
TABLE 6.1: DIMENSIONS OF THICHNESS AND LENGTH GAUGES
38
191
CALCULATIONS AND RESULT:
In order to calculate the flakiness index of the entire sample of aggregates first the weight
of each fraction of aggregates passing and retained on the specified set of sieves is noted. As an
example let 200 pieces of the aggregates passing 50 mm sieve and retained on 40 mm sieve be=
W1g. Each of the particles from this fraction of the thickness gauge in this example the width of
(50 + 40)
the appropriate gauge of the thickness gauge is * 0.6 = 27mm
2
Let the weight of the flaky material passing this gauge be W1g. similarly the weights of
the fractions passing and retained the specified sieves. W1, W2, W3 etc weighted and the total
weight W1+W2+W3=W g is found also the weights of material passing each of the specified
thickness gauges are found= w1, w2, w3…..And the total weight of the material passing the
different thickness gauges= w1+w2+w3+…..and the total weight of the flakiness index is the total
weight of the sample gauged.
( x1 + x 2 + x3 + ......) * 100
Flakiness index=
(W 1 + W 2 + W 3 + .......)
OBSERVATION TABLE:-
Size of Aggregates
Weight of the fraction Weight of aggregates in each
Retained on consisting of 200 fraction passing through thickness
Passing through IS
pieces, kg gauge, kg
sieve, mm IS sieve, mm
63.0 50.0
50.0 40.0
40.0 31.5
31.5 25.0
25.0 20.0
20.0 16.0
16.0 12.5
12.5 10.0
10.0 6.3
Total W= x=
RESULT: - Flakiness index of the given aggregate (w/ W) 100=
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B. ELONGATION INDEX
AIM: To determine elongation index of index of given aggregate sample.
DEFINITION: The elongation index of an aggregate is the percentage by weight of particles

whose greatest dimension (length) is greater than one and four fifth (1.8 times) of their mean
dimension. The elongation test is not applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3 mm.
APPARATUS: The apparatus length gauge consists of the Standard length gauge. IS sieve of
size 50, 40, 25, 20, 16, 12.5, 10 and 6.3 mm .A balance to weigh the samples.
PROCEDURE:
The sample is sieved through the specified set of IS sieves. A minimum of 200 pieces of each
fraction is taken and weighed. In order to separate elongated material, each fraction is then gauged
individually for length gauge. The gauge individually for length gauge.
➢ The gauge length used should be those specified in column 4 of the table for the
appropriate material. The pieces of aggregates from each fraction tested which could not
pass through the specified gauge length with its long side are elongated particles and are
collected separately to find the total weight of aggregate retained by the length gauge are
weighed to an accuracy of at least 0.1 percent of the weight of the test sample.
CALCULATION AND RESULT:
In order to calculate the elongation index of the entire sample of aggregates, the weight of
aggregates which is retained on the specified gauge length from each fraction is noted. As an
example, let 200 pieces of the aggregate passing 40 mm sieve and retained 25 mm sieve weight
W1g. Each piece of these are tried to be passed through the specified gauge length of length
gauge, which in this example is
(45 + 25)
*1.8 = 59.5mm
= 2
With its longest side and those elongated pieces which do not pass the gauge are separated and
the total weight determined=W1g. similarly the weight of each fraction of aggregate passing
and retained on specified sieves sizes are found, W1, W2, W3……… and the total weight of
sample determined = W1+W2+W3+………=W g. Also the weight of material from each
fraction retained determined on the specified gauge length are found =X1, X2, X3……… and
the total weight retained determined =X1+X2+X3…. =X g.
The elongated index is the total weight of the material retained on the various length
gauges, expressed as the total weight of the sample gauged.
( y1 + y 2 + y3 + ........)
Elongation index= *100
W 1 + W 2 + W 3 + .....
40
191
Fig. 5.2 Length Gauge
OBSERVATION SHEET:-
Size of Aggregates
Passing Weight of aggregates in

Weight of the fraction
through Retained on each fraction retained on
consisting of 200 pieces, kg
IS sieve, IS sieve, mm elongation gauge, kg
mm
63.0 50.0
50.0 40.0
40.0 31.5
31.5 25.0
25.0 20.0
20.0 16.0
16.0 12.5
12.5 10.0
10.0 6.3
Total W= y=
RESULT: Elongation index of the given aggregates sample is = ………
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191
VIVA QUESTIONS:-
1 What Is The Significance Of The Shape Tests?

2 Why Flaky Or Elongated Particles Are Avoided In Pavement Construction?
3 What Are The Applications Of Shape Tests?
4 Define Flakiness Index?
5 Define Elongation Index and how is it determined in the laboratory
6 Discuss the effects of flaky and elongated aggregate in road construction
What are the acceptable limits of FI value of coarse aggregates for different types
7 of pavement layers
Discuss the advantage and limitation of rounded and angular aggregates in
8 different types of pavements
The elongation index of an aggregate is the percentage by weight of particles
whose greatest dimension (length) is greater than _________ of their mean
9 dimension.
10 The elongation test is not applicable to sizes smaller than.
The flakiness index of aggregate is the percentage dry weight of particles whose least
11 dimension (thickness) is less than __________ of their mean dimension
Rounded aggregates are preferred in cement concrete road construction as the
12 ___________ of concrete improves.
__________ of particles is desirable for granular base course due to increased
13 stability derived from the better interlocking
14 Fine Aggregates should pass through which IS sieve?
15 How many types of fine aggregates are there based on source?
16 What is the fineness modulus value of a fine sand?
17 M-Sand has ___________ type of particle shape.
18 Which of the below can be used as fine aggregates?
19 The specific gravity for sand is:
20 In the ratio 1:4:8, which number indicates the quantity of fine aggregates?
21 PGBS stands for:
22 Coarse aggregates are classified into how many groups?
How much percent of material which passes through a specific sieve is contained
23 in that single-size aggregate?
24 Graded aggregate contains particles of size:
25 Flaky particles have:
26 Which size coarse aggregate is ideal for use in a concrete mix?
27 Elongation index of coarse aggregates is calculated using:
28 In crushing test on coarse aggregates, what size particle is taken as a sample?
29 What is the density of undisturbed gravel?
30 What is the symbol used for well graded gravel as per ISC system of classification?
31 Gravel is a type of:
32 Briefly explain the test procedure
What are desirable limits of Los Angeles abrasion values specified for different types of
33 pavement surface course?
34 Discuss the importance of aggregate attrition test on road surface
35 Name other tests which can be used for testing of aggregate abrasion value
36 What are the applications of deval’s attrition test in road and pavement construction?
37 Stones are obtained from rocks that are made up of:
38 Which one of the following is not a classification of stones?
39 The hot molten material occurring naturally below the surface of the Earth is called:
42
191
40 At what depth and rate is a hypabyssal rock formed?

41 What is a sedimentary deposit?
42 Which factor disturbs the equilibrium of rocks, commencing metamorphism?
43 Which of the following is not a metamorphic change?
44 Which of the following rocks are hard and durable?
45 Foliated structure is very common in case of:
What is the relation between LLR (Line of Least Resistance) and amount of
46 explosives to be used?
47 Which of the following is not an explosive used for blasting?
48 Which type of dressing does the figure below represent?
43
191
II.BITUMINOUS
MATERIALS
44
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6A. PENETRATION TEST
AIM: To determine grade of given bitumen
APPARATUS:
It consists of items like container, needle, water bath, Penetrometer, stop watch etc. The
following are the standard specifications as per ISI from the above apparatus.
Container:-A flat bottomed cylindrical metallic container 55 mm in diameter 35 mm or

57 mm in height.
Needle: A straight highly polished cylindrical hard steel needle with conical end having
the shape and dimensions as given in figure 7.1. The needle is providing with a shank
approximately 3.0 mm in diameter in to which it is immovably fixed.
Water bath: A water bath is maintained at 25 + 10C containing not less than 10 liters of
water. The simple is immersed to depth not less than 100mm from the top and supported
on a perforated shelf not less than 50mm from the bottom of the bath.
Penetrometer: It is an apparatus which allows the needle assembly of gross weight 100g
to penetrate without appreciable friction for the desire duration of time. The dial is
accurately calibrated to give penetration value in units one tenth of mm.
Transfer tray: A small tray which can keep the container fully immersed in water during
the test.
PROCEDURE:
➢ The bitumen is softened to a pouring consistency between 750C and 1000C above
the approximate temperature at which bitumen softens. The sample material is
thoroughly stirred to make it homogenous and free from air bubbles and water.
➢ The sample material is then poured in to the container to a depth at least 15 mm
more than the expected penetration. The sample containers are cooled in
atmosphere of temperature not lower than 130C for one hour. Then they are placed
in temperature controlled water bath at a temperature of 250C for a period of one
hour.
➢ The sample container is placed in the transfer way with water from the water bath
and placed under the needle of the penetrometer. The weight of needle, shaft and
additional weight checked. The total weight of this assembly should be 100g.
➢ Using the adjusting screw, the needle assembly is lowered and the tip of the needle
is made to just touch the top surface of the sample; the needle assembly is clamped
in this position. The contact of the tip of the needle is checked using the mirror
placed on the rear of the needle. The initial reading of the penetrometer dial is
either adjusted to zero or initial reading is taken before releasing the needle. The
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needle is released exactly for a period of 5.0 s by pressing the knob and the final
reading is taken on the dial.
➢ At least three measurements are made on this simple by testing at distance of less
than 100 mm apart. The sample container is also transferred in the water bath
before next testing done so as to maintain a constant temperature of 250C. The test
is repeated with sample in the other container.
RESULTS:
The difference between the initial and final penetration reading is taken as the penetration
value. The mean value of three consistent penetration measurements is reported as the
penetration value. It is further specified by ISI that results of each measurement should
not vary from the mean value reported above by more than the following:
Penetration grade Repeatability
0-80 4 percent
80-225 5 percent
Above225 7 percent
Fig 7.1 Penetrometer
OBSERVATION SHEET:
Pouring temperature :
Period of cooling in atmosphere :
Period of cooling in water bath :
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Room temperature :
Duration of releasing the penetration needle :
Test temperature :
Penetrometer dial Test1 Test2 Test3

reading
Initial
Final
RESULT: The penetration value of given bitumen sample is……………
6B. SOFTENING POINT TEST
AIM: To determine softening point of a given bitumen sample.
APPARATUS:
➢ It consists of Ring and Ball apparatus

➢ Steel Balls they are two in number. Each as a diameter of 9.5 mm and weight 2.5 to
5 g.
➢ Brass Rings there are two rings of the following dimensions.
Depth 6.4 mm
Inside diameter at top 17.5 mm
Inside diameter at bottom 15.9 mm
Outside diameter 20.6 mm
➢ Brass rings are also placed with ball guides as shown in fig 8.1
➢ Support the metallic support is used for placing pair of rings.
➢ The upper surface of the rings is adjusted to be 50mm below the surface of the
water or liquid contained in the bath. A distance the bottom of the rings on top
surface of the bottom plate of support is provided it has housing for a suitable
thermometer.
➢ Bath and Stirrer: A heat resistance glass container of 85mm dia and 120mm
materials having softening point above 80 degree C and glycerin for materials
having softening point above 80 degree C. Mechanical stirrer is used for ensuring
uniform distribution all times throughout the bath.
PROCEDURE:
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➢ Sample material is heated to a temperature between 75 and 1000C above the

approximate softening point until it is fluid and is poured in heated rings placed
on metal plate.
➢ To avoid sticking of the bitumen to metal plate coating is done to this with a
solution of glycerin and dextrin .After cooling the rings in air for 30 minutes.
➢ The excess bitumen is trimmed and rings are placed in the support as discussed in
item above .At this time the temperature of distilled water is kept at 50C. This
temperature is maintained for 15 minutes after which the balls are placed in
position.
➢ The temperature of water is raised at uniform rate of 50C per minute with a
controlled heating unit the bitumen softens and touches the bottom plate by sinking
of balls.
➢ At least two observations are made. For material whose softening point is above
800C, glycerin is used as a heating medium and the starting temperature is 350 C,
instead of 50 C.
OBSERVATION SHEET
Period of cooling atmosphere :
Period of cooling in water bath :
Room temperature :
Rate of heating :
Test temperature :
Liquid used in water bath :
Rate of heating :
TIME IN MINTUES TEMPERATURE IN °C
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Fig 9.1 Softening Point Test Concept
RESULTS: The temperature at the instant when each of the ball and sample touches the
bottom plate of support is recorded as softening value. The mean of duplicate
determinations is noted. It is essential that the mean value of softening point (temperature)
does not differ from individual observations by more than the following limits.
Softening point Repeatability Reproducibility

Below 30°C 2°C 4°C
30 to 80°C 1°C 2°C
Above 80°C 2°C 4°C
RESULT: The softening point of given bitumen sample is______________
APPLICATIONS OF SOFTENING POINT TEST:
Softening point is essentially the temperature at which the bituminous binders have
an equal viscosity. The softening point of tar is therefore related to the equi-viscous
temperature. The softening point found by the ring and ball apparatus is approximately
200C lower than the e.v.t..Softening point, thus gives an idea of the temperature at which
the bituminous material attains a certain viscosity. Bitumen with higher softening point
may be preferred in the warmer place.
The ranges of softening point specified by the Indian standards Institute for various
grades of bitumen are given below.
Table 9.1: Ranges of Softening Point Specified by The Indian Standards Institution
for Various Grades of Bitumen
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Bitumen grades Softening point, °C

A 25 & A 35 55 to 70
S 35 50 to 65
A 45,S 45 & A 65 45 to 60
S 65 40 to 55
A 90 & S 90 35 to 50
A 200 & S 200 30 to 45
A’ denotes bitumen from Assam petroleum and ‘S’ denotes bitumen from sources
other than from Assam petroleum. Also see table under ‘Application of Penetration test ‘.
Viva Questions:
1 The softening point of bitumen in the given options (in degree Celsius) will be
2 What are the applications of penetration test?
3 What do you understand by the term 30/40 bitumen?
4 What are the precautions to be taken while conducting a penetration test?
5 Penetration test is to determine _________ of given bitumen
The bitumen is softened to a pouring consistency between ________ above the approximate
6 temperature at which bitumen softens
7 The sample containers are cooled in atmosphere of temperature not lower_____ than for one hour.
8 How do you determine the softening point of the bitumen?
9 What is softening point?
10 If material A has softening point of 56 and B has 42 which binder is good and why?
11 Softening point, thus gives an idea of the temperature at which the bituminous material attains
12 ________ with higher softening point may be preferred in the warmer place.
The temperature at the instant when each of the ball and sample touches the bottom plate of support
13 is recorded as
14 To determine softening point of a given bitumen sample__________ test is done.
15 Sample material is heated to a temperature between _____.
This set of Highway Engineering Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on
16 “Bituminous Binders”.
17 Bitumen is obtained from
18 Tar is obtained from
19 Tar is not used now because of
20 The bitumen is completely soluble in
21 The resistance to flow is measured by
22 The temperature used in highway pavement in degrees centigrade is
23 The solvent used in cut back bitumen is
24 The bitumen surface becomes stiff in
25 Which bitumen does not need heating?
26 The distance between two samples in penetration test should be
27 Which of the following grade of bitumen is harder?
28 The temperature in penetration test is
29 The SI unit of viscosity is
What is the specific gravity of a substance with mass 10 kg and volume 2 m3, with respect
32 to the reference density 50 g/m3?
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35 because
The temperature at the instant when each of the ball and sample touches the bottom plate of support
38 is recorded as
39 To determine softening point of a given bitumen sample__________ test is done.
40 Sample material is heated to a temperature between _____.
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7. DUCTILITY TEST
AIM: To determine ductility of the given bitumen.
THEORY: In the flexible pavement construction where bitumen binders are used, it is of
significant importance that the binders from ductile thin films around the aggregates .This
serves as a satisfactory binder in improving the physical interlocking of the aggregates
.The binder material which does not possess sufficient ductility would crack and thus
provide previous pavement surface .This in turn results in damaging effect to the
pavement structure. It has been stated by some agencies that the penetration and the type
of crude source of the bitumen, sometimes it has been observed that the above statement
is incorrect .It may hence be mentioned that the bitumen may satisfy the penetration value,
but may fail to satisfy the ductility requirements. Bitumen paving engineer would however
want that both test requirements are satisfied in the field jobs. penetration and ductility
can not in any case replace each other .The ductility is expressed as the distance in
centimeters to which a standard briquette of bitumen can be stretched before the thread
breaks .The test is conducted at 27 0 + 0.50C and a rate of pull of 50 + 2.5mm per minute
.The test has been standardized by the ISI .The ductility test concept is show in fig 10.1.
APPARATUS: The ductility test apparatus consists of items like

sample(briquette)moulds water bath square-end trowel or putty knife sharpened on end
and ductility machine .Standard specifications as per ISI being:
(a)Briquette mould: Mould is made of brass metal with shape and dimensions as
indicated in fig 8.2. Both ends called clips possess circular holes to grip the fixed and
movable ends of the testing machine. Side pieces when placed together from the briquette
of the following dimensions:
Length ---- 75mm
Distance between clips ---- 30mm
Width at mouth of clips ---- 20mm
Cross section at minimum width ---- 10mm x10mm
(b)Ductility machine: It is an equipment which functions as constant temperature

water bath and a pulling device at a pre-calibrated rate .The central rod of the machine is
threaded and through a gear system provides movement to one end where the clip is fixed
during initial placement .The clips are thus pulled apart horizontally at a uniform speed of
50 + 2.5mm per minute .The machine may have provision to fix two or more mould so as
to test these specimens simultaneously.
PROCEDURE:
➢ The bitumen sample is melted to a temperature of 750C to 1000C above the

approximate softening point until it is fluid .It is strained through IS sieve 30,
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poured in the mould assembly and placed on a brass plate, after a solution of
glycerin and dextrin is applied at all surfaces of the mould exposed to bitumen
.Thirty to forty minutes after the sample is poured into the moulds the plate
assembly along with the sample is placed in water bath maintained at 270C for 30
minutes.
➢ The sample and mould assembly are removed from water bath excess bitumen is
cut if by to level the surface using hot knife .After trimming the specimen, the
mould assembly containing sample is replaced in water both maintained at270C
for 85 to 95 minutes .
➢ The sides of the mould are now removed and the clips are carefully booked on the
machine without causing any initial strain .Two or more specimens may be
prepared in the moulds and clipped to the machine so as to conduct these tests
simultaneously.
➢ The pointer is set to read zero .The machine is started and the two clips are thus
pulled apart horizontally .While the test is in operation, it is checked whether the
sample is immersed in water at depth of at least 10 min.
➢ The distance at which the bitumen thread of each specimen breaks, is recorded (in
cm) to report as ductility value.
Fig. 8.1 Ductility Test Concept
The distance stretched by the moving end of the specimen up to recorded as ductility value
which is
DISCUSSION:
The ductility value gets seriously affected if any of the following factors are
varied:
(1)Pouring temperature
(2)Dimensions of briquette
(3)Improper level of briquette placement
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(4)Rate of pulling
Increase in minimum cross section of 10sq.mm and increase in test temperature
would record increased ductility value.
APPLICATIONS OF DUCTILITY TEST:
A certain minimum ductility is necessary for a bitumen binder .This is because of

the temperature changes in the bitumen nixes and the repeated deformations that occur in
flexible pavements due to the traffic loads .If the bitumen has low ductility value, the
bituminous pavement may crack, especially in cold weather .The ductility values of
bitumen vary from 5 to over 100.
Several agencies have specified the minimum ductility values for various types of
bituminous pavement .Often a minimum value of 50cm is specified for bituminous
construction.
Table8.1: the Minimum Ductility values specified by the Indian Standards

Institution for Various Grades of Bitumen Available in India
Source of paving bitumen and penetration grade Minimum ductility value,

cm.
Assam petroleum A 25 5
A 35 10
A 45 12
A 65, A90& A 200 15
Bituminous from sources other than Assam petroleum 50
S 35 75
S45, S65,S90
OBSERVATION SHEET:
Period of cooling in atmosphere :
Period of cooling in water bath before trimming :
Period of cooling in water bath after trimming :
Room temperature :
Dimensions of briquette:
▪ length
▪ distance between the clips
▪ width at mouth of clips
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▪ cross section at minimum width
BRIQUETE 1 2 3
NUMBER
INITIAL
FINAL
MEAN DUCTILITY VALUE
RESULT:
The ductility value of given bitumen sample is
Viva Questions:
1 List the factors that affect the result of a ductility test.

2 What do you understand by the term repeatability and reproducibility
3 Explain the significance of ductility test.
4 Briquette mould dimensions are:
5 Assam petroleum grade are the following
6 Minimum ductility value, of S 35 is _____ cm.
7 The softening point of bitumen in the given options (in degree Celsius) will be
11 Penetration test is to determine _________ of given bitumen
The bitumen is softened to a pouring consistency between ________ above the approximate
12 temperature at which bitumen softens
13 The sample containers are cooled in atmosphere of temperature not lower_____ than for one hour.
14 How do you determine the softening point of the bitumen?
15 What is softening point?
16 Which bitumen does not need heating?
17 The distance between two samples in penetration test should be
18 Which of the following grade of bitumen is harder?
19 The temperature in penetration test is
20 The SI unit of viscosity is
What is the specific gravity of a substance with density 100 kg/m 3 with respect to reference
21 substance of density 100 lb/m3?
What is the specific gravity of a substance with mass 10 kg and volume 2 m 3, with respect to the
23 reference density 50 g/m3?
What is the mass of a cone of radius 1 m and height 3 m having specific gravity 0.1? (Density of
24 water = 1000 kg/m3)
26 API gravity is necessary for the calculation of specific gravity of petroleum products, because
28 Fine Aggregates should pass through which IS sieve?
29 How many types of fine aggregates are there based on source?
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30 What is the fineness modulus value of a fine sand?

31 M-Sand has ___________ type of particle shape.
32 Which of the below can be used as fine aggregates?
33 The specific gravity for sand is:
34 In the ratio 1:4:8, which number indicates the quantity of fine aggregates?
35 PGBS stands for:
43 The solvent used in cut back bitumen is
44 The bitumen surface becomes stiff in
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8.MARSHALL STABILITY OF BITUMINOUS MIXTURE
Marshal test is extensively used in routine test programs for the paving jobs. The stability
of the mix is defined as a maximum load carried by a compacted specimen at a standard
test temperature of 600 °C. The flow is measured as the deformation in units of 0.25 mm
between no load and maximum load carried by the specimen during stability test (flow
value may also be measured by deformation units of 0.1 mm). This test attempts to get the
optimum binder content for the aggregate mix type and traffic intensity. This is the test
which helps us to draw Marshall Stability vs. % bitumen.
Test Procedure of ASTM D6927 - 06 Standard Test:
The apparatus for the Marshall Stability test consists of the following:
1. Specimen mould assembly comprising mould cylinders 10.16 cm diameter by 6.35

cm height, base plate and extension collars.
2. Specimen extractor for extracting the compacted specimen from the mold. A
suitable bar is required to transfer load from the extension collar to the upper
proving ring attachment while extracting the specimen.
3. Compaction hammer having a flat circular tamping face 4.5 kg sliding weight
constructed to provide a free fall of 45 cm.
4. Compaction pedestal consisting of a 20 × 20 × 45 cm wooden block capped with
30 × 30 × 2.5 cm MS plate to hold the mould assembly in position during
compaction. Mold holder is provided consisting of spring tension device designed
to hold compaction mould in place on compaction pedestal.
5. Breaking head: this consists of upper and lower cylindrical segments or test heads
having a inside radius curvature of 5 cm. the longer segment is mounted on a base
having two perpendicular guide rods which facilitate insertion in the holes of upper
test segment.
Loading Machine:
It is provided with a gear system to lift the upward direction. Pre-calibrated proving ring
of 5 tones capacity is fixed on the upper end of the machine, specimen contained in the
test head is placed in between the base and the proving ring. The load jack produces a
uniform vertical moment of 5 cm per minute. Machine is capable of reversing its moment
downward also. This facilitates adequate space for placing test head system after one
specimen has been tested.
Flow meter consists of guide, sieve and gauge. The activating pin of the gauge slides
inside the guide sleeve with a slight amount of frictional resistance. Least count of 0.025
mm is adequate. The flow value refers to the total vertical upward movement from the
initial position at zero loads to value at maximum load. The dial gauge of the flow meter
should be able to measure accurately the total vertical moment upward.
In addition to above the following general equipment are also required:
1. Oven or hot plate

2. Water bath
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3. Thermometers of range up to 200 °C with sensitivity of 2.5 °C and Miscellaneous

equipment like containers, mixing and handling tools etc.
Preparation of Test Specimen

1. 1200 grams of aggregate blended in the desired proportions is measured and
heated in the oven to the mixing temperature.
2. Bitumen is added at the mixing temperature to produce viscosity of 170 ± centi-
stokes at various percentages.
3. The materials are mixed in a heated pan with heated mixing tools.
4. The mixture is returned to the oven and reheated to the compacting temperature
(to produce viscosity of 280±30 centi-stokes).
5. The mixture is then placed in a heated Marshall mould with a collar and base and
the mixture is spaded around the sides of the mould. A filter paper is placed under
the sample and on top of the sample.
6. The mould is placed in the Marshall Compaction pedestal.
7. The material is compacted with 50 blows of the hammer (or as specified), and the
sample is inverted and compacted in the the other face with same number of blows.
8. After compaction, the mold is inverted. With collar on the bottom, the base is
removed and the sample is extracted by pushing it out the extractor.
9. The sample is allowed to stand for the few hours to cool.
10. The mass of the sample in air and when submerged is used to measure the density
of specimen, so as to allow, calculation of the void properties.
Marshal Test Procedure
1. Specimens are heated to 60 ± 1 °C either in a water bath for 30 - 40 minutes or in
an oven for minimum of 2 hours.
2. The specimens are removed from the water bath or oven and place in lower
segment of the breaking head. The upper segment of the breaking head of the
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specimen is placed in position and the complete assembly is placed in position on

the testing machine.
3. The flow meter is placed over one of the post and is adjusted to read zero.
4. Load is applied at a rate of 50 mm per minute until the maximum load reading is
obtained.
5. The maximum load reading in Newton is observed. At the same instant the flow
as recorded on the flow meter in units of mm was also noted.
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Viva questions
How the elongation index of the sample helps in deciding the design of a
1 highway?.
4 What are the factors which affect the ring and ball test results?
What is softening point? If material A has softening point of 56 and B has 42
5 which binder is good and why?
6 List the factors that affect the result of a ductility test.
7 What do you understand by the term repeatability and reproducibility?
8 Repeatability
is the variability of the measurements obtained by one person while measuring the
9 same itemrepeatedly.
10 Reproducibility
11 Which layer of pavement should withstand stress?
12 The surface of bitumen should be
13 The DBM is used in
14 The filler material should pass from
15 Rutting may be avoided by
16 Bleeding may be avoided by
17 Which aggregate produce higher stability of mix?
How does the Water absorption of the coarse aggregate affects the mix design of
18 concrete?
19 Define flash and fire points..
20 What is the significance of flash and fire point test?.
21 What are the parameter that affects the result of flash and fire point tests?
22 Define specific gravity.
23 What is the use of finding specific gravity?
24 What are the factors affecting specific gravity test?
Aggregate Impact value of material A is 15 and that of B is 35. Which one is better
26 for surface course?
The abrasion value found from Los Angeles test for two aggregates A and B are
27 50% and 38% respectively.
Why Los Angeles abrasion test is considered superior to the other form of tests
28 which are used to determine thehardness of aggregates?
Two materials have abrasion values 3 and 10 respectively. Which one is harder and
29 why?
30 What do you mean by flakiness index of an aggregate?.
31 What do you infer from flakiness index?
32 How the flakiness index of the sample helps in deciding the design of a highway?
33 How is aggregate Impact expressed?
34 What do you understand by dry and wet Impact value?.
35 What do you mean by elongation index of an aggregate?
36 What do you infer from elongation index?
37 Maximum size of aggregate in base course is
38 Maximum size of aggregate in surface course is
39 The specific gravity of bitumen lies between
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40 Volume of mineral aggregate is

41 The specified method for bitumen mix in India is
42 The temperature in Marshall’s method is
43 Marshall stability determines
44 The number of blows in Marshalls test specimen is
45 Whichaggregate is harder? Why? For what types of constructions are these suitable?
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III.TRAFFIC
STUDIES
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9A) . TRAFFIC VOLUME STUDIES –MID BLOCKS
Traffic Data Collection is basic requirements for transport planning. Traffic Data
forms an integral part of national economics and such knowledge is essential in drawing
up a rational transport policy for movement of passengers and goods by both government
and the private sectors. Traffic Volume Count is counting of number of vehicles passing
through a road over a period of time. It is usually expressed in terms of Passenger Car
Unit (PCU) and measured to calculate Level of Service of the road and related attributes
like congestion, carrying capacity, V/C Ratio, identification of peak hour or extended peak
hour etc. Traffic volume count or TVC is usually done as a part of transportation surveys,
TVC can be classified or unclassified.
Need of Traffic Volume Count Survey
Traffic Volume Survey is an essential part of Town Planning, especially for a town
planner. It includes counting the number of vehicles passing through a survey station. The
study of Classified Traffic Volume Count is to understand factors that form the basis of:
a) Checking the efficiency/saturation of the road network by comparing current traffic

volume with the calculated capacity or by identifying level of service
b) Establishing the use of the road network by vehicles of different categories, traffic
distribution, PCU/vehicle value
c) Need of median shifting or road widening
Purpose of Traffic Volume Count
The purpose classified traffic volume count is to draw inferences on the basis of data
collected. To provide possible solutions and improvement suggestion for the problem
identified. The objectives covered in it includes identifying the hourly distribution of
vehicles and peak hour, identify level of service and compare modal composition on
different hierarchy of roads.
Methods of doing Traffic Volume Count
Traffic Volume Count can be done by various methods depending upon various factors
like manpower available, budget, technology/instrument available, magnitude of traffic
data required or to be collected which will then determine quality and type of vehicle
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classification to be adopted. Traffic counting falls in two main categories, namely: manual
count and automatic count.Traffic data collection forms the integral part of traffic volume
study as it provides the raw data and includes primary survey. The various types and
methods used to collect traffic data not only provide a good and valuable coverage of the
required traffic information. Different methods of traffic volume count are as mentioned
below –
Duration and Interval of Traffic Counts

In order to predict traffic flow volumes that can be expected on the road network during
specific periods, knowledge of the fact is required that traffic volumes changes
considerably at each point in time. There are three important cyclical variations:
• Hourly pattern: the way traffic flow characteristic varies throughout the day and
night;
• Daily Pattern: The day-to-day variation throughout the week
• Monthly and yearly Pattern: The season-to-season variation throughout the year.
When analysing the traffic one must also be aware of the directional distribution of traffic
and the manner in which its composition varies as it is important to deal with tidal flow.
• Hourly patterns – Typical hourly patterns of traffic flow, particularly in urban areas,
generally show a number of distinguishable peaks. Peak in the morning followed by
a lean flow until another peak in the middle of the afternoon, after which there may
be a new peak in the late evening. The peak in the morning is often more sharp by
reaching the peak over a short duration and immediately dropping to its lowest point.
The afternoon peak on the other hand is characterised by a generally wider peak.
The peak is reached and dispersed over a longer period than the morning peak.
• Daily patterns – The traffic volume generally varies throughout the week. The
traffic during the working days (Monday to Friday) may not vary substantially, but
the traffic volume during the weekend is likely to differ from the working days on
different type of roads and in different directions
1. Manual Count
The most common method of collecting traffic volume data is the manual method of traffic
volume count, which involves a group of people recording number of vehicles passing,
on a pre-determined location, using tally marks in inventories. Raw data from those
inventories is then organized for compilation and analysis. This method of data collection
can be expensive in terms of manpower, but it is nonetheless necessary in most cases
where vehicles are to be classified with a number of movements recorded separately, such
as at intersections also in case where automatic methods cannot be used due to lack of
infrastructure, necessary authorization etc.
2. Automatic Count
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This method is employed in cases where manual count method is not feasible. Various
instruments are available for automatic count, which have their own merits and demerits.
Some of the widely used instruments are pneumatic tubes, inductive loops, weigh-in-
motion Sensor, micro-millimeter wave Radar detectors and video camera. Both types of
count can be classified or unclassified. Classified traffic volume count gives a better
understanding of the types of vehicles which uses the road and can be used for number of
other purposes apart from the transportation surveys. It can also be used for calculating
the modal split of vehicles on the road. Unclassified traffic volume count is done where
sufficient manpower is not available or the budget for the survey is low. This type of
volume count does not give a good information about the road.
Some of the widely used instruments are –
i) Pneumatic tubes – These are tubes placed on the top of road surfaces at locations where
traffic counting is required. As vehicles pass over the tube, the resulting compression
sends a burst of air to an air switch.
ii) Inductive loops – Inductive loop detector consists of embedded turned wire. It includes
an oscillator, and a cable, which allows signals to pass from the loop to the traffic counting
device. Inductive loops are cheap, almost maintenance-free and are currently the most
widely used equipment for vehicle counting and detection
iii) Weigh-in-Motion Sensor types – A variety of traffic sensors and loops are used to
count, weigh and classify vehicles while in motion, and these are collectively known as
Weigh In Motion (WIM) sensor systems. Some notable traffic sensors are:
• Bending Plates which contains strain gauges that weigh the axles of passing
vehicles
• Capacitive Strip is a thin and long extruded metal used to detect passing axles.
Capacitive strips can be used for both statistical data and axle configuration.
• Capacitive Mat functions in a similar manner as the capacitive strip but it is
designed to be mobile and used on a temporary basis only.
• Piezo-electric Cable is a sensing strip of a metallic cable that responds to vertical
loading from vehicle wheels passing over it by producing a corresponding voltage.
The cable is very good for speed measurement and axle-space registration, and is
relatively cheap and maintenance
iv) Micro-millimeter wave Radar detectors – Radar detectors actively emits radioactive
signals at frequencies ranging from the ultra-high frequencies (UHF) of 100 MHz, to 100
GHz, and can register vehicular presence and speed and can be used determine vehicular
volumes and classifications in both traffic directions..
v) Video Camera – Video image processing system utilize machine vision technology to
detect vehicles and capture details about individual vehicles when necessary. The system
is useful for traffic counting and give a +/- 3% tolerance, and is not appropriate for
vehicular speed and their classification.
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Factors to be considered while doing a traffic volume survey on mid block –

1. Surveyor should not affect the flow of traffic.
2. Survey station should be located at position where queuing do not take place.
3. Vehicles should be classified if possible as it saves time for Classified Traffic Volume
Survey. Also classified results have many other application.
4. Safety of surveyor should be kept in mind and safe location should be selected. This
becomes more important in rural area where carriageway is not well-defined.
5. Equipments used while automatic count should be placed such that they do not draw
attention of driver.
MANUAL COUNT
Background:
Congestion problems in any city require an immediate and intensive study of several
locations and intersections. A comprehensive study should be conducted to develop a
system by which the network should be designed. Due to limited time and resources, spot
studies are suggested for this project.
Field Study:
Several counts are to be conducted on different roadways for the purpose of this
assignment. The study locations will be given in the lab by the instructor.
Those counts will be limited to volume and classification counts. The counting period will
be limited to one-hour due to time limitation. However, an extended-time count will be
provided for you based on previous studies.
Required:
1. Write a report including purpose, methodology, data collection, data analysis,
discussion, and conclusions.
2. Tabulate the results for the study.
3. Identify the peak hour and peak hour volume for the 10-hr count.
4. Estimate the ADT for each street based on your 1-hr count.
5. Find the peak hour factor for your street.
6. Find the percentage of private automobiles, taxis, buses, and trucks at your station.
NAME OF THE ROAD:

DISTANCE FROM :____________________________ TO ___________________ KM
DATE OF STUDY :
TEAM MEMBERS:
TIME OF STUDY:
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MOTORIZED NON-MOTORIZED
HOURS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
COUNT
ED heav sma micr bycycl anima
mediu larg mi auto- moto l
(AM/P y ll o ca bycyc e
m e ni ricksha r- driven
M) Truc truc buse r le ricksha vehicl
truck bus bus w byke
k k s w es
FROM :
TO:
FROM :
TO:
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AUTOMATED COUNT
VIDEOGRAPHIC METHOD
Background:
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Manual traffic volume counting can be used only for short periods. It requires intensive
use of human resources. On the other hand, electromechanical traffic data collectors,
which have high initial cost, are used extensively to collect traffic volume counts,
especially for longer counting periods. Moreover, many other important variables can be
recorded using these equipment’s, including vehicle classification, speeds, gaps,
headways, etc. …
Field Study:
A number of study locations will be selected to investigate traffic volumes using video
graphic method.
Setting Equipment:
Video image processing system utilize machine vision technology to detect vehicles and
capture details about individual vehicles when necessary. The system is useful for traffic
counting and give a +/- 3% tolerance, and is not appropriate for vehicular speed and their
classification.
After completing data collection, use the interface cable to download the data into the
computer.
Required:
2. Tabulate the results for the study.
3. Identify the peak hour and peak hour volume for your station.
4. Find the peak hour factor for your station.
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9B) TRAFFIC VOLUME STUDIES – JUNCTIONS

Background:
Recent Traffic congesting problems in cities, especially along the main arterial crossing
the city, attract the attention to study the inbound and outbound traffic volumes as well as
the traffic volumes along those arterials, especially at key intersections.
Traffic volumes at intersections/ junctions can be observed and recorded manually.

Special forms can be used for this purpose. The attached form shows the various vehicle
classes that might occur on city streets.
Field Study:
As part of the effort, a study of several intersections will be Counted. Manual counting is
to be used for turning movements at several locations. Counts should be performed to
catch the peak hours.
Location:
Intersections will be illustrated in lab session.
Required:
2. Tabulate the results for the study using the special forms.
3. Identify the peak hour and the peak hour volume for your station.
4. Prepare an intersection traffic flow diagram.
5. Find the peak hour factors for each approach and for the intersection.
6. Find the percentage of heavy vehicles at your station.
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VIVA QUESTIONS
The branch of engineering that deals with improvement of traffic performance,
1 traffic studies and traffic network is called
2 In India for design of roads pedestrian is considered as
The basic objective of traffic engineering is to achieve afree and rapid flow of
3 traffic with fewer accidents
4 The study of traffic engineering is divided into how many major categories?
5 The “3-Es” of traffic engineering stand for
6 In traffic engineering the elements are classified into how many categories?
7 Which of the following roads are congested during peak hours?
8 The traffic survey is conducted during
9 Design of road intersections is a part of
10 The most important objective of traffic engineering is
The difference in between the set of front axle and rear axle while negotiating a
11 horizontal curve is called
12 A wheel base of 6.5m negotiates a 35m curve find the off tracking
In a braking test, a vehicle was moving with a speed of 45kmph and was stopped
by applying brakes, the skid marks were 10.0m in length .determine the skid
13 resistance
14 The brake efficiency in braking test is assumed as
15 Gross weight, axle and wheel loads of vehicle govern the
16 How many types of factors affect the traffic characteristics?
17 The hearing, visibility and reaction time are covered in which type of factors?
18 An intelligent driver who consumed alcohol will have a chance of
19 The pollutant mostly released by automobiles is
20 The most likely cause of accidents is
21 The width recommended by IRC for all type of vehicles is
22 The stability of a vehicle is influenced by
23 The height of the vehicle mainly influences
24 The minimum number of parameters needed to measure brake efficiency is
If the acceleration of the vehicle is 6.17m/sec2 then the average skid resistance
25 is
26 The weaving manoeuvres is a type of
27 Which of the following does not affect traffic flow?
28 The speed at which the value of time headway is lowest represents the
29 In countries like USA and UAE, which of the regulation is followed?
30 When the gap of the vehicle changes to a smaller lane then it is called
31 The vehicles per unit length at any instant of time is called as
32 The distance between the two consecutive vehicles is called
33 The maximum jam density occurs at
34 If the space headway is 7m, then the jam density in vehicle/km is
35 The minimum space headway increases with
36 Which of the following equation is correct?
37 The maximum jam density occurs at
If the jam density is 145vehicles/km, and velocity is 60kph then the capacity flow
38 is
39 The equivalency factor for car recommended by IRC is
40 The maximum theoretical capacity is
41 Which of the following is not an intersection at grade?
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42 An intersection that is provided for different levels of road is called

If the velocity of a vehicle is 60kmph and the other vehicle velocity is 20kmph,
43 then the relative velocity is
44 If the angle of merging is low, then the relative speed will be
If an additional pavement is provided for lane change, then that intersection is
45 called
46 Which of the following is not a requirement for intersection at grade?
47 The most complex type of intersections for traffic operation is
The procedure of adopting medians and traffic island in an un-channelized
48 intersection is called
49 In India the design velocity at rotary is considered as
If the coefficient of friction is 0.43, and the design velocity is 40kmph then the
50 radius of curve is
51 The minimum radius for rotary recommended by IRC is
If the average width of the entry section is 3m and the exit is 6m then the
52 average width is
53 The PCU value near rotary is highest for
In a traffic lane the traffic moving extreme left is 250 PCU and in extreme right it
is 240 PCU, the sum of the weaving traffic crossing left and right is 500 PCU,
54 find proportion of weaving traffic
The capacity of rotary in PCU per hour for a proportion of weaving traffic 0.5 and
the width of weaving section is 12m, average width of entry is 0.4m and length of
55 the weaving section is 7.2m
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10A.SPEED STUDIES
Background:
Speed studies had been performed through manual methods to measure time vs. measured
distance. Later traffic data collectors were utilized to measure speed through computing
the time required to cross pneumatic tubes for specified distance. Recently, advanced
speed detection instruments have been developed and used to measure speed of vehicles.
These instruments have used either microwave radar or laser light beams. The attached
part of the operations manual highlights the operation of the use of Laser Speed Detection
Instrument which has been recently purchased for our lab.
Field Study:
A location close to the university is to be chosen. A sample of one hundred observations is to
be considered.
Required:
1. Write a report including purpose, methodology, data collection, analysis,
2. Tabulate the data & find the average speed, standard deviation, & median.
3. Draw the speed histogram, the frequency distribution, and the cumulative speed
distribution curve.
4. Find the range where data lies with confidence levels of 95%, 98%.
5. Find standard error of the mean.
6. Determine the upper and lower speed limits.
7. Determine the 10 kph pace.
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SPACE MEAN SPEED
Background:
Speed studies had been performed through manual methods to measure time vs. measured
distance. These involve measuring the time required for a vehicle to transverse a measured
course. There are a number of devices that can be used to measure time. One of the manual
means involve using a stopwatch to measure time. The measured course is specified at the
location under study, where two observers cooperate to record time, one at each end of
the course. One of the observers starts the watch when the vehicle passes and stops it upon
receiving an indication from the other observer that the vehicle passes the end of the
course. The length of the course may range from 25m to 75m, where the length depends
on the average speed and the location under study (shorter lengths at low speeds and CBD
sections and longer lengths at higher speed sections).
Field Study:
A location close to the university is to be chosen. A sample size is to be designed considering
a confidence level of 95%, an acceptable error of 1 km/hr, and a sigma of 4.5 km/hr.
Required:
1. Write a report including purpose, methodology, data collection, analysis,
2. Design the sample.
3. Tabulate the data & find the average speed, standard deviation, and median.
4. Draw the speed histogram, the frequency distribution, and the cumulative speed
distribution curve.
5. Find the range where data lies with confidence levels of 95%, 98%.
6. Find standard error of the mean.
7. Determine the upper and lower speed limits.
8. Determine the 10 kph pace.
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10B. PARKING STUDIES

Background:
Parking problems are clearly noticed in Nablus Central Business Area. The increase in the
number of vehicles and their usage and consequently in the demand for parking has not
been accompanied with parallel increase in the supply of parking spaces, or in planning
and implementing time restrictions and other parking controls. To determine the extent of
and severity of the problem, it is necessary to determine the existing parking supply and
current usage.
Field Study:
Each team will be assigned a section of Nablus CBD to survey. Locations will be specified
in the lab.
Required:
Write a report including purpose, data collection, calculations, analysis, discussions, and
conclusions. In the report, give answers for the following:
1. Indicate the results of parking inventory study for your location.
2. Find the supply and practical capacity.
3. Find parking accumulations and present it graphically.
4. Find the utilization rate. Comment!!
5. Describe the parking duration observed. Comment!!
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CE 460 - Traffic Engineering
Parking Studies
Location:
City:____________________ Date:_________ ____________________
___ ___________ ______
Street:___________________ Between_______ and:_________

_________________ ___ ________
Number of
Spaces:__________________
______
Time Parking Time Fac Parking

Facilit Parking Parking
Beginni Accumu Begin ility Accumulati
y No. Type Type
ng lation ning No. on
8:00 12:00
8:15 12:15
8:30 12:30
8:45 12:45
9:00 13:00
9:15 13:15
9:30 13:30
9:45 13:45
10:00 14:00
10:15 14:15
10:30 14:30
10:45 14:45
11:00 15:00
11:15 15:15
11:30 15:30
11:45 15:45
78
CONCRETE & HIGHWAY MATERIAL LAB
VIVA QUESTIONS
1 The best type of interchange can be provided with
2 A grade intersection may be provided if the PCU exceeds
3 The capacity of an uncontrolled intersection is
4 The ramps in the grade separated intersections do not include
The product of fast moving vehicles and number of trains should exceed by how much to justify
5 the bypass road construction?
6 Parking facilities may be classified into how many types?
7 The type of parking in which the vehicles are parked along the kerb is called
8 Which type of parking facility is convenient for all types of users?
9 The maximum number of cars can be parked in
10 The number of parking spaces for a kerb of 59m and having the length of car as 5.0m is
11 The first stage of parking lot is
12 The parking facility in which elevators are required to change to a different level is called
13 In 90 degree parking the length of kerb is 25m, the parking spaces are
14 The place allotted particularly for only parking is called Clover space
15 The most inconvenient method for parking is
16 The first phase of traffic regulation is
17 The various regulations imposed through the traffic control devices do not include
18 The minimum age for attaining license for a geared vehicle is
19 The motor vehicle act was revised in
20 Traffic symbols are classified into how many categories?
21 The symbol when violated which may lead to offense is
22 Which of the following is disadvantage in one way traffic?
23 The total conflict points at a junction on both two way roads is
24 The maximum number of conflict points is formed in
25 The specifications for road signs are specified by
26 The diameter of the small size information board is
27 Which type of board should be installed if the speed limit is 100kmph?
28 Give way sign is of
29 STOP sign is having
30 The clearance time is indicated by
31 The first stage in the traffic engineering studies is
32 The traffic volume is usually expressed in
The number of vehicles that pass through a transverse line of road at a given time in a specified
33 direction is called
34 HCV stands for
35 The traffic flow is
36 The first objective of the traffic volume studies is
37 Pedestrian data is used for planning
38 Which of the following method is more accurate for traffic analysis?
39 The outgoing and incoming traffic are counted at
40 The traffic that is prepared based on 365 days of the year is called
41 The charts showing the variation of the traffic is called
42 The traffic design in India is based on
43 The 5 minute count at a traffic junction is 15 find the hourly count
If the traffic volume count on a road is 150 and daily factor is 1.1 and seasonal factor is 1.2 then
44 ADT is
45 The ratio of seven day average for 24 hour and 24 hour count on any particular day is
46 The annual average daily traffic is calculated by the formula
47 Running speed of a vehicle is equal to
48 The speed at any instant of time is called
49 Which of the following relationship is correct?
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING 79 MLRITM

CONCRETE & HIGHWAY MATERIAL LAB
50 Peak hour factor is expressed in percentage of

51 How many types of traffic speed studies are conducted?
If the distance of a vehicle moved is 25m and the observed travel time is 15 sec then the space
52 mean speed is
53 If the space mean speed of a vehicle is 50kmph, then the time mean speed will be
54 If the instantaneous speed of 4 vehicles are 35, 40, 45 and 50 then the time mean speed will be
55 The geometric design in India are designed for
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING 80 MLRITM

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Civil

II. BITUMINOUS MATERIALS:

III. TRAFFIC STUDIES

Name of the Faculty in charge for the laboratory:

The laboratory is located in the room no: SR 009.

TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING Laboratory in First Semester of fourth

prepared by Ms. J. Seetunya, Asst.Professor and Mr. Shaik Ziaur Rahman,

Asst.Professor Department of Civil Engineering

Signature of HOD Signature of Director Signature of Principal

3 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS iii

5 INSTITUTE VISION AND MISSION v

6 DEPARTMENT VISION MISSION, PROGRAMME EDUCATIONAL vi

8 COURSE STRUCTURE, OBJECTIVES & OUTCOMES ix

SECTION 7 DUCTILITY TEST 47

SECTION 11 TRAFFIC VOLUME COUNTS AT JUNCTIONS 66

Mr. Shaik Ziaur Rahman

Mr. Shaik Ziaur Rahman

2. Students should be punctual to the lab.

5. Students are instructed not to bring mobile phones to the lab.

Provide quality education and to motivate students towards professionalism

Address the advanced technologies in research and industrial issues

PROGRAMME EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

PEO-III Inculcate qualities of leadership for technology innovation and entrepreneurship.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC OUUTCOMES

a) An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering

d) An ability to function effectively on multi-disciplinary teams

e) An ability to identify, formulate, analyse and solve engineering problems

f) An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social responsibilities

g) An ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally

j) Knowledge of contemporary issues

COURSE STRUCTURE, OBJECTIVES & OUTCOMES

1. Hardness , strength and shape properties of aggregates

JAWAHARLAL NEHRU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

TRANSPORTTION ENGINEERING LAB

S. No. List of Experiments

TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING LAB

AGGREGATE CRUSHING VALUE TEST

• To determine the aggregate crushing value of coarse aggregates as per IS:

AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE TEST

SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF AGGREGATES (FINE & COARSE)

LOS ANGEL’S ABRASION TEST

SHAPE TEST OF AGGREGATES

A) PENETRATION POINT OF BITUMEN TEST.

B) SOFTENING POINT OF BITUMEN TEST.

DUCTILITY VALUE OF BITUMEN.

MARSHALL STABILITY TEST

TRAFFIC VOLUME STUDIES-MID BLOCKS AND JUNCTIONS

A) SPOT SPEED STUDIES

1. AGGREGATE CRUSHING VALUE TEST

AIM: To determine mechanical properties of road stone required are:

1. Satisfactory resistance to crushing under the roller during construction and

DESCRIPTION OF THE APPARATUS:

Total weight of dry sample taken =

Weight of the portion of crushed material passing 2.36mm is sieve =

SIZE OF THE AGGREGATE :

RATE OF APPLICATION OF LOAD :

TOTAL LOAD APPLIED :

Weight of aggregate sample in the cylindrical

Weight of crushed aggregates passing through

RESULTS: The mean crushing value obt

ained in the two tests is reported as the aggregate crushing value.

Fig. 1.1 Aggregate Crushing Test Apparatus

APPLICATIONS OF AGGREGATE CRUSHING TEST:

1. Aggregate crushing value of a material A is 40 and B is 25. Which one is stronger?