Test 1.

0 AGGREGATE IMPACT TEST

Introduction
When a road aggregate has been manufactured to a specified grading it is stockpiled, loaded into
trucks, transported, tipped, spread and compacted. If the aggregate is weak, some degradation
may take place and result in a change in grading and/or the production of excessive and
undesirable fines. Thus, an aggregate complying with a specification at the quarry may fail to do
so when it is in the pavement. Granular base layers and surfacing are subjected to repeated
loadings from truck tyres and the stress at the contact points of aggregate particles can be quite
high. These crushing tests can reveal aggregate properties subject to mechanical degradation of
this form.

Aim
To determine the Aggregate Impact value

Objectives
To assess the resistance of an aggregate to mechanical degradation by the Aggregate Impact
Test, Ten Percent Fines Test and Aggregate Crushing Test.

Apparatus
Aggregate Impact Value Machine which consists of a steel test mould with a falling hammer as
shown in the diagram.

Material
The material used is aggregate passing a 12.70 mm sieve and retained on a 9.52 mm sieve. It
shall be clean and dry (washed if necessary) but it must not be dried for longer than 4 hours nor
at a temperature higher than 110°C, otherwise certain aggregates may be damaged.

Procedure
1. The whole of the test sample (mass A) is placed in the steel mold and compacted by a single
tamping of 25 strokes of the tamping rod.
2. The test sample is subjected to 15 blows of the hammer dropping 381 mm, each being
delivered at an interval not less than one second.
3. The crushed aggregate is sieved over a 2.36 mm sieve. The fraction passing 2.36 mm is
weighed to the nearest 0.1 g (mass B). The fraction retained on the sieve is also weighed (mass
C). If {A-(B+C)}>1 gram, the result shall be discarded and a fresh test made.
Diagram

Apparatus for the aggregate impact test

Results
The aggregate impact value (AIV) is
B
×100 %
AIV = A ……………. (1)
An average is taken of the two tests and the result is recorded to the nearest whole number as the
Aggregate Impact Value.

Discussion
The AIV is normally about 105 per cent of the Aggregate Crushing Value and it can be used for
the same purpose. For weak aggregates, the required load for the first ten per cent fines test can
be estimated by means of the formula: required load (kN) = 4000 AIV . . . (2)
Test 2.0 AGGREGATE CRUSHING VALUE TEST

Aim
To determine the Aggregate Crushing value

Apparatus
The apparatus as shown in the diagram consists of a case hardened steel cylinder 154 mm
diameter and 125 mm high together with a plunger which just fits inside the cylinder and a base
plate.
Steel tamping bar 16 mm diameter by 450-600 mm long
A metal measuring cylinder 115 mm diameter by 180 mm deep.
A compression testing machine capable of applying a force of up to 500 kN

Diagram

Aggregate Crushing Value Molds and Tamping rod

Procedure
1. The required volume is obtained by filling the measuring cylinder in three layers, each tamped
25 times with the rod and the top struck level. This volume is then weighed to the nearest 0.1g
(mass A).
2. The material from the measuring cylinder is placed in the test cylinder in three layers, each
tamped 25 times with the rod. The depth of the sample will then be about 100 mm. The plunger
is lowered onto the sample and rotated gently to seat it and level it.
3. The cylinder, plunger and sample are placed in the compression test machine. It is loaded at a
uniform rate so that a force of 400 kN is reached in 10 minutes. The load is then released.
4. The percentage fines is then determined as before. The material passing 2.36 mm is weighed
(mass B) and expressed as a percentage of the original mass (mass A) to give the aggregate
crushing value (ACV).

Results
B
= ×100 %
Aggregate Crushing Value, ACV A

The average is taken of two tests and the result recorded as Aggregate Crushing Value.

Discussion
Report the geological description of the aggregate, the source quarry and particle size.
If the percentage fines exceed 30, the result may be anomalous as the broken pieces of aggregate
will tend to fill the voids and prevent further crushing. In this case, the Ten Percent Fines Test is
more appropriate.
Test 3.0 TEN PERCENT FINES VALUE TEST

Aim
To determine the ten percent fines value of aggregates

Apparatus
The apparatus as shown in the diagram consists of a case hardened steel cylinder 154 mm
diameter and 125 mm high together with a plunger which just fits inside the cylinder and a base
plate.
Steel tamping bar 16 mm diameter by 450-600 mm long A metal measuring cylinder 115 mm
diameter by 180 mm deep.
A compression testing machine capable of applying a force of up to 500 kN

Material
Aggregates passing a 12.70 mm sieve and retained on a 9.52 mm sieve. It shall be clean and dry
(washed if necessary) but it must not be dried for longer than 4 hours nor at a temperature higher
than 110°C, otherwise certain aggregates may be damaged.

Diagram

Apparatus for the 10% fines test

Procedure
1. The required volume is obtained by filling the measuring cylinder in three layers, each tamped
25 times with the rod and the top struck level. This volume is then weighed to the nearest 0.1g
(mass A).
2. The material from the measuring cylinder is placed in the test cylinder in three layers, each
tamped 25 times with the rod. The depth of the sample will then be about 100 mm. The plunger
is lowered onto the sample and rotated gently to seat it and level it.

3. The cylinder, plunger and sample are placed in the compression testing machine. Force is
applied at a uniform rate so that the total penetration in 10 minutes is about: 15 mm for
uncrushed gravel; 20 mm for normal crushed aggregates; 24 mm for honeycombed aggregates
(e.g., some slag and volcanic rocks).

4. The sample is then sieved over a 2.36 mm sieve. As this is a fairly fine sieve, it is preferable to
pass the whole sample over a larger sieve (say 4.75 mm) first. The material passing 2.36 mm is
then weighed (mass B) and expressed as a percentage of the original mass [y=100%B/A].

5. If the percentage fines lie between 7.5% and 12.5%, the following calculation for Ten Percent
Fines Value (TFV) is made.

Results
Ten Percent Fines Value (TFV) is obtained as:
TFV = Force to produce 10% fines
14 x
=
y+4
where
x = maximum force used (kN)
y = percentage fines from the test (%)

The result should be reported to the nearest whole number.

If the percentage fines lie outside the range 7.5 to 12.5, the test must be repeated, applying the
force given by the formula over a period of 10 minutes. Two tests are required and the ten
percent fines values (TFV) are averaged to obtain the final result, reported to the nearest 10 kN
(for forces > 100kN)
Test 4.0 PENETRATION TEST

Introduction
The penetration test is one of the oldest and most commonly used tests on asphalt cements or
residues from distillation of asphalt cutbacks or emulsions. The standardized procedure for this
test can be found in ASTM D5 [ASTM, 2001].
We can define the penetration test as the distance in tenths of millimeter that a standard needle
vertically penetrates a sample of bitumen under specified conditions of:
Load = 100g, temperature = 25 0C and time = 5 seconds.
This test can measure the consistency of the materials to use it in describe its softness, where the
lower values of penetration indicate harder materials (strength).

The bituminous materials are used for highway construction because:

- Excellent binding & cementing power.
- Water-proofing properties.
- Relatively low cost.

Bitumen: Black or dark colored solid or viscous cementious substances composed of high
molecular weight hydrocarbons.

Aim
To determine the hardness or softness of bitumen

Objective
We want to measure the hardness or softness of bitumen of the standard needle and conditions to
get results of the property of this material to know where to use.

Equipment & Apparatus

1. Penetrometer (Needle holder connected to a scale capable of measurements to the nearest

0.1 mm.
2. Weight of 100g.
3. Standard penetration needle.
4. Sample containers.
5. A standard water bath capable of maintaining temperature 25±1 0C.
6. Transfer Dish of capacity > 350 ml.
7. Stop watch accurate to ± 0.1 second.
 Fig. Penetrometer

Procedure
1. Heat the sample with care not over 600 C until it practically fluid.
2. Pour the sample into the container 2 to 5 mm below the tip.
3. Let the sample cool and cover it against the dust.
4. Place the sample in a water bath of 25 °C and keep it in the water bath for 1.5 to 2 hours
before testing it.
5. Clean the needle and place it in the holder then place the 100g above the needle.
6. Lower the needle carefully until it reaches the surface of the bitumen.
7. We can see the reflection of the needle at the surface of the sample.
8. Make the zero of the pointer of the scale, or take the initial reading.
9. Release the needle holder quickly and at the same time start the stopwatch.
10. After the 5 second we will wait, record the reading of the distance the needle moved.
11. Repeat steps 5 to 10 to get 3 reading.
12. Report the average as the penetration of the tested bituminous material.

Results
The amount of penetration of the needle at the end of 5 seconds is measured in units of 0.1 mm
(or penetration unit) and recorded as shown in the table below. The average of three sample
measurements is taken as the penetration value. e.g 30/40 grade bitumen implies penetration
value of the bitumen in the range of 30 to 40 at standard test conditions
 Sample Distance for the needle movement
( 1/10 mm )
1
2
3
Average
Table 1: Penetration Results

From the table above we can know whether these determined data are acceptable or not by the
following concepts of the standard test.

Test Conditions

 If the standard temperature could not be met, then special alterations should be made as
follows:

Temperature (0C) 0 4 25 45
Load (gm) 200 200 100 50
Time (second) 60 60 5 5
Table2: Test Conditions

 When making at least three readings, make sure to satisfy the following:
- Each reading should be at least 10 mm far from the previous one.
- During cleaning of the needle, the sample must be kept in the water bath at the specified
temperature.
- If penetration is > 200 mm, the needle should be left in the sample until all the three
readings have been completed.

 If the needle comes in touch with the water during testing, discard the reading.
 If water comes in contact with the surface of the sample, discard the whole sample and
prepare a new one.
 If the standard temperature could not be met than special alteration should be made.
 Don't forget the cleaning of the needle.
 The place where the needle should be in the sample at the first trying must be away about
1 cm at least from the second reading and from the edge.
Discussion & Conclusion
Softer asphalt will have a higher penetration, while harder asphalt will have a lower penetration.
Other test conditions that can be used include (1) 0 ºC, 200 g, 60 sec., and (2) 46 ºC, 50 g, 5 sec. The
penetration test can be used to designate grades of asphalt cement, and to measure changes in
hardness due to age hardening or changes in temperature.
It may be noted that penetration value is largely influenced by any inaccuracy with regards to
pouring temperature, size of the needle, weight placed on the needle and the test temperature.
This test is applied exclusively for bitumen and not tars. Penetration values of different types of
bitumen used in road construction range between 20 to 225. The common bitumen grades use for
road constructions are 30/40 and 80/100 depending on the type of construction and climatic
conditions. In hot climates, a lower penetration grade is preferred.
Test 5.0 DETERMINING SOFTENING POINT OF BITUMEN

Introduction
We defined the softening point as the temperature at which a disc of bitumen softens enough to
allow a standard ball resting on it to move downward a distance of 25 mm. Because the softening
of a bituminous material does not take place at any definite temperature, but rather involves a
gradual change in consistency with increasing temperature, any procedure that is adopted for
determining the softening point must be of a somewhat arbitrary nature. The procedure in
common use in highway materials laboratories is known as the "ring-and-ball method" and may
be applied to semisolid and solid materials.

Aim
This test is done to determine the softening point of asphaltic bitumen and fluxed native asphalt,
road tar, coal tar pitch and blown type bitumen.

Objective
To obtain the point at which the bitumen becomes softening to use it to:
 Classify bitumen according to their susceptibility to heat.
 Classify bitumen according to their suitability to use in hot or cold regions.
 Check the uniformity of sources supplies.
 Indicate the tendency of bitumen to flow at elevated temperatures.

Equipment & Apparatus

i. Two brass rings.
ii. Two 9.5 mm diameter steel balls, each weight 3.5 g.
iii. Ball centering guides.
iv. Flat brass plate.
v. Water bath in the form of a glass vessel.
vi. Heating source.
vii. Stirrer.
viii. Thermometer : - Low Range : -2 to 80°C, Graduation 0.2°C
- High Range: 30 to 200°C, Graduation 0.5°C

Materials
Bitumen, Distilled Water and Glycerin

Diagram
 Fig. Ball and Ring Apparatus for Softening Point Determination

Procedure
Preparation of sample
i) The sample should be just sufficient to fill the ring. The excess sample should be cut off by a
knife.
ii) Heat the material between 75 and 100°C. Stir it to remove air bubbles and water, and filter it
through Sieve, if necessary.
iii) Heat the rings and apply glycerin. Fill the material in it and cool it for 30 minutes.
iv) Remove excess material with the help of a warmed, sharp knife.

A) Materials of softening point below 80°C:

i) Assemble the apparatus with the rings, thermometer and ball guides in position.
ii) Fill the beaker with boiled distilled water at a temperature 5.0 ± 0.5°C per minute.
iii) With the help of a stirrer, stir the liquid and apply heat to the beaker at a temperature of 5.0 ±
0.5°C per minute.
iv) Apply heat until the material softens and allow the ball to pass through the ring.
v) Record the temperature at which the ball touches the bottom, which is nothing but the
softening point of that material.

B) Materials of softening point above 80°C:

The procedure is the same as described above. The only difference is that instead of water,
glycerine is used and the starting temperature of the test is 35°C.

Results
The temperature at which the ball touches the bottom is recorded as the softening point of the
bitumen.
Ball Softening Point ( 0C)
1
2
Average
Discussion
Generally, higher softening point indicates lower temperature susceptibility and is preferred in
hot climates.

Notes:

 If the difference between the two samples in the same test exceeds 1 0C, the test must be
repeated.
 Because water has a boiling point of 100°C, it can not be used as a liquid for testing
material having high softening points.
 Increasing the rate of heating will result in the softening point being less than the
standard (original).
 If there is sand in the sample the boiling point will be increase, then the softening point
will be increase.

Test 6.0 FLASH POINT AND FIRE POINT TEST

Introduction
This test is one of the safeties tests for the bituminous materials. Two methods are in common
use for the determination of the flash point of petroleum asphalts used in highway work. The
flash point of cutback asphalts (RC and MC) is generally determined by use of a Tagliabue Open
Cup apparatus, whereas the Cleveland Open Cup is used for flash-point determinations on other
asphaltic materials. The two methods are essentially the same, although in the Cleveland Open
Cup method the asphalt is heated in a metal container suspended in an air bath, whereas in the
"Tag" Open Cup Method heating takes place in a glass cup held in a water bath.
Flash Point is defined as the lowest temperatures at which the vapor of the test specimen starts to
ignite the specified conditions of the test.
Fire point is defined as the lowest temperature at which the test specimen will sustain burning for
five seconds under the specified conditions of the test

Aim
This test is done to determine the flash point and the fire point of asphaltic bitumen and fluxed
native asphalt, cutback bitumen and blown type bitumen.

Objective
The flash point is used to measure the tendency of the materials to catch flames, class the
materials according to a safety requirement and to obtain an idea about presence of volatile and
flammable substances, while the fire point is use to measure combustibility of the material.

Equipment & Apparatus

The main apparatus used in this experiment is ( The Cleveland Open Cup ) and its consists of the
following :
 Test cup (Cleveland Open Cup).
 Heating Plate.
 Test flame.
 Thermometer capable of measuring high temperatures up to 500°C.

Diagram
 Cleveland Open Cup

Procedure
A) Flash Point
i. Soften the bitumen between 75 and 100°C. Stir it thoroughly to remove air bubbles and
water.
ii. Fill the cup with the sample to the specified level and the foams should be removed, and
if the foams couldn't be removed discard the whole sample and prepare a new one.
iii. Place the apparatus on a level surface protect from the sun light.
iv. Wash the test cup with volatile solvent to remove any residue.
v. Support the thermometer perpendicular position at 6.4 mm from the cup.
vi. Start heating with high speed rate, 14-17 0C/min. Continue until the temperature reached
60°C below the probable flash point then decrease the heat by rate of 5 - 6°C/min.
vii. When the temperature becomes 30°C below the probable apply the flame until a sparks
noticed this will be the flash point. Open flash point is taken as that temperature when a
flash first appears at any point on the surface of the material in the cup. Take care that the
bluish halo that sometimes surrounds the test flame is not confused with the true flash.
Discontinue the stirring during the application of the test
flame.
viii. Flash point should be taken as the temperature read on the thermometer at the time the
flash occurs.

B) Fire Point.
ix. After flash point, heating should be continued at such a rate that the increase in
temperature recorded by the thermometer is neither less than 5°C nor more than 6°C per
minute.
x. The test flame should be lighted and adjusted so that it is of the size of a bead 4mm in
dia.
Results
i) The flash point should be taken as the temperature read on the thermometer at the time of the
flame application that causes a distinct flash in the interior of the cup.
ii) The fire point should be taken as the temperature read on the thermometer at which the
application of test flame causes the material to ignite and burn for at least 5 seconds.

Discussion
At high temperatures depending upon the grades of bitumen materials leave out volatiles. And
these volatiles catch fire which is very hazardous and therefore it is essential to qualify this
temperature for each bitumen grade.
Tar and bitumen, especially cutback bitumen, are flammable liquids at high temperature and
therefore, there is a risk of catching fire if care is not exercised during construction.
Test 7.0 LOSS ON HEATING TEST

Aim
To Determine the Amount of weight loss in heated bitumen

Apparatus
Oven
Balance

Procedure
i. About 50gm of the sample is weighed (W1) and heated to a temperature of 163°C for
5 hours in a specified oven designed for this test.

ii. The sample specimen is weighed again after the heating period (W 2) and loss in
weight is expressed as percentage by weight of the original sample.

Result
Loss on Heating = [(W1 - W2)/ W1] X 100%

Discussion
When the bitumen is heated it loses the volatility and gets hardened. Bitumen used in pavement
mixes should not indicate more than 1% loss in weight, but for bitumen having penetration
values 150-200 up to 2% loss in weight is allowed.
Test 7.0 FLOAT TEST

Aim
To determine the consistencies of bituminous material

Apparatus
The apparatus consists of an aluminum float and a brass collar filled with bitumen to be tested.

Procedure
The specimen in the mold is cooled to a temperature of 5°C and screwed in to the float.
The total test assembly is floated in the water bath at 50°C and the time required for water to
pass its way through the specimen plug is noted in seconds and is expressed as the float value.

Result/Discussion
Normally the consistency of bituminous material can be measured either by penetration test or
viscosity test. But for certain range of consistencies, these tests are not applicable and Float test
is used.