Trans Eng Lab Manual (AY20232024)

Official (Closed), Non‐Sensitive
BE8332 Transportation Engineering
Diploma in Civil Engineering
LABORATORY MANUAL
for
BE8332
TRANSPORTATION
ENGINEERING
Academic Year 2023/2024

SINGAPORE POLYTECHNIC
School of Architecture and the Built Environment
Table of Contents
Table of Contents.............................................................................................. i
SAFETY IN THE LABORATORY ..................................................................... ii
SAFETY IN HANDLING HOT BITUMEN ......................................................... ii
SAFETY IN DOING OUTDOOR EXPERIMENTS ............................................ ii
LABORATORY ASSESSMENT (20%) ........................................................... iii
REPORT ASSESSMENT ............................................................................... iii
EXPERIMENT NO. 1 Traffic Volume Count at Intersection ............................ 1
EXPERIMENT NO. 2 Speed Study ................................................................. 5
EXPERIMENT NO. 3 Abrasion Test ............................................................. 10
EXPERIMENT NO. 4 Softening Point of Bitumen ......................................... 12
EXPERIMENT NO. 5 Marshall Stability Test ................................................ 15
EXPERIMENT NO. 6 Sieve Analysis of Aggregates for Subbase Material ... 18
EXPERIMENT NO. 7 California Bearing Ratio Test...................................... 22
EXPERIMENT NO. 8 Skid Resistance Test .................................................. 26
i
SAFETY IN THE LABORATORY
Students must strictly abide by the following safety rules:

1. Observe all warning signs and notices.
2. Do not use defective tools/machineries/instrument/equipment.
3. Report any damage of tools/machineries/instrument/equipment.
4. Do not handle any tools/machineries/instrument/equipment without
prior permission and proper supervision from the laboratory technical
support officer.
5. Wear shoes that protect all toes. No slippers are allowed in the
laboratory.
6. Wear goggles/ear muffs/disposable mask where necessary.
7. Do not smoke. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the laboratory.
8. Do not play/run in the laboratory.
9. Wear a face mask.
10. There should be no mixing between groups.
11. Keep a safe distancing of 1m between individuals should be observed.
12. Observe safe lifting techniques when carrying/moving large/heavy
objects.
13. Be considerate and always think of other users in the laboratory.
SAFETY IN HANDLING HOT BITUMEN
When using bitumen at temperatures up to 200°C, there is always a possibility

of burns from splashes or even a fire. Caution and common sense will prevent
any mishap but certain rules must be followed:
1. Stand well clear of people handling hot bitumen or taking readings
2. Long trousers and shoes are prescribed attire
3. Use the gloves provided
4. In the event of a burn from hot bitumen, get the affected part under a
running water tap as quickly as possible (every second counts)
5. In the event of equipment or clothes catching fire, smother the flames
with the fire blanket and switch off any electrical power source affected
SAFETY IN DOING OUTDOOR EXPERIMENTS
Students must:
1. be alert and vigilant;
2. put on proper footwear;
3. wear a face mask;
4. put on high-visibility safety vests;
5. no mixing between groups;
6. keep a safe distancing of 1m between individuals should be observed; and
7. keep a safe distance from the traffic flow when carrying out any roadside
experiment.
ii
In the event of inclement weather conditions (e.g. rain, lightning, hail, haze),
students must seek approval from the lecturer in charge before proceeding
with any outdoor experiment.
LABORATORY ASSESSMENT (20%)
Experiment No. Description Weightage

1 Traffic Volume Count at Intersection 30%
2 Speed Study 30%
3 Abrasion Test 5%
4 Softening Point of Bitumen 5%
5 Marshall Stability Test 5%
Sieve Analysis of Aggregates for
6 5%
Subbase Material
7 California Bearing Ratio Test 10%
8 Skid Resistance Test 10%
TOTAL 100%
REPORT ASSESSMENT
S/No. Report Component Weightage

1 Layout of Report 20%
2 Data Collection / Computation / Graph 40%
3 Discussions 25%
4 Sources (minimum TWO) 5%
5 Participation 10%
TOTAL 100%
iii
EXPERIMENT NO. 1
Traffic Volume Count at Intersection
AIM
To conduct traffic volume count at an intersection.
INTRODUCTION
When determining the volume of traffic at an intersection, the students are

required to note down the movements of the vehicles and classify the vehicles
into four categories as follows:
(a) Cars and vans
(b) Light goods vehicles, heavy goods vehicles and very heave goods
vehicles
(c) Small buses, big buses and articulated buses
(d) Motorcycles
APPARATUS
Manual counters
PROCEDURE
(a) Select an intersection

(b) Sketch the layout of the intersection
(c) Record the numbers, types and the movements of the vehicles for
every 5 minutes interval within an hour
RESULTS / CALCULATIONS
(a) Present your results neatly in the tables

(b) Convert all vehicles into PCU1
(c) Compute the hourly traffic volume
(d) Calculate the flow rate in veh/h and PCU/h respectively
(e) Calculate the peak 15-minute flow rate in veh/15-minutes
(f) Determine the 15-minute Peak Hour Factor (PHF)
REPORTING OF RESULTS
Draw a flow diagram for the intersection
1
Cars & vans = 1 PCU. Light goods vehicles = 1.5 PCU. Heavy goods vehicles = 2.5 PCU
Very heavy goods vehicles = 3 PCU. Small buses = 1.6 PCU. Large buses = 2.5 PCU.
Motorcycles = 0.7 PCU.
1
Example of Flow Diagram
DISCUSSION
(a) Explain the use of the volume study at the intersection.

(b) Discuss the significance of the peak hour factor.
(c) Comment on the peak hour factor obtained.
2
DATA SHEET
LOCATION OF THE INTERSECTION:
DATE:
TIME:
TESTER:
WEATHER:
Straight Ahead Vehicles
Time interval Cars/Vans LGV HGV VHGV Small bus Large bus Motorcycle
Left-Turning Vehicles
3
Right-Turning Vehicles
Total hourly traffic volume
Cars/Vans LGV HGV VHGV Small Large Total

Time interval Motorcycle
bus bus PCU
4
EXPERIMENT NO. 2
Speed Study
AIM
To determine the distributions of speeds of different categories of vehicles
INTRODUCTION
A speed study is a study of the speed of traffic on a road. It consists of a

series of observations of the individual speeds at which the vehicles are
traveling. These observations are used to estimate the speed distribution of
the entire traffic stream at that location under the prevailing conditions.
APPARATUS
(a) Stop watch

(b) Measuring tape
PROCEDURE
(a) Choose two suitable lamp posts

(b) Measure the distance between the lamp posts
(c) Record the time required for the vehicles to travel the distance between
the two lamp posts
(d) Collect data for 50 passenger cars2 and 50 commercial vehicles3
CALCULATIONS
(a) Compute the speed of the individual vehicle

(b) Compute the means and standard deviations of the speeds of the two
categories of vehicles
(a) Plot a histogram chart each category of vehicles (i.e. passenger cars
and commercial vehicles)
(b) Plot the cumulative percentage graphs for both categories of vehicles
on the same diagram
2
Passenger car category includes taxis
3
Commercial vehicle category includes vans, trucks, all types of buses, etc.
5
(c) Determine the 15, 50 and 85 percentile speeds of the two categories of
vehicles
6
DISCUSSION
(a) Explain the objectives of carrying out the speed study

(b) Compare the speed distributions of the two categories of vehicles
(c) State the significance of the various percentile speeds
(d) Explain the difference between space mean speed and time mean
speed
(e) Comment on the method of carrying out the study
RESULTS
(a) Passenger Cars:
Time Mean speed = km/h
Standard deviation of Time Mean Speed = km/h
Space Mean Speed = km/h
(b) Commercial Vehicles:
Time Mean speed = km/h
Standard deviation of Time Mean Speed = km/h
Space Mean Speed = km/h
7
DATA SHEET FOR PASSENGER CARS
LOCATION: METHOD:
DIRECTION OF FLOW: DISTANCE:
DATE: TIME:
TESTER: WEATHER:
S/N TIME (sec) SPEED (km/h) S/N TIME (sec) SPEED (km/h)
1 26
2 27
3 28
4 29
5 30
6 31
7 32
8 33
9 34
10 35
11 36
12 37
13 38
14 39
15 40
16 41
17 42
18 43
19 44
20 45
21 46
22 47
23 48
24 49
25 50
8
DATA SHEET FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
LOCATION: METHOD:
DIRECTION OF FLOW: DISTANCE:
DATE: TIME:
TESTER: WEATHER:
S/N TIME (sec) SPEED (km/h) S/N TIME (sec) SPEED (km/h)
1 26
2 27
3 28
4 29
5 30
6 31
7 32
8 33
9 34
10 35
11 36
12 37
13 38
14 39
15 40
16 41
17 42
18 43
19 44
20 45
21 46
22 47
23 48
24 49
25 50
9
EXPERIMENT NO. 3
Abrasion Test
AIM
To determine the Los Angeles abrasion value of the given aggregates.
APPARATUS
(a) Los Angeles Machine

(b) Sieves
INTRODUCTION
Due to the movement of traffic, the road stones used in the surfacing are
subjected to wearing action at the top of the pavement. Resistance to wear or
hardness is hence an essential property of the road aggregates, especially
when used in the wearing course.
The Los Angeles Abrasion Test is commonly used to determine the abrasion
resistance of the aggregates.
The principle of Los Angeles Abrasion Test is to find the percentage of wear
due to the rubbing action between the aggregates and the abrasive charge,
the steel spheres. The rubbing and pounding action simulate the field
conditions where both the abrasion and impact occur.
PROCEDURE
(a) Prepare the aggregates in the proportions as stipulated in Table 1

(b) Select the abrasive charge from Table 1
(c) Place the aggregates and spheres into the Los Angeles Machine
(d) Allow the machine to rotate for 500 revolutions at 30-33 rev/min
(e) Discharge all the material from the machine
(f) Sieve the aggregates on the 1.7-mm sieve
(g) Weigh the amount of aggregates retained by the sieve
Table 1 Specification for Los Angeles Abrasion Test

Weight (grams) of the test sample in the size range (mm) No. of Weight
63- 50- 40- 25- 12.5 10- 6.3- 4.75- 2.36- spheres of
80 63 50 40 -20 12.5 10 6.3 4.57 charge
2500 2500 11 4584+25
10
CALCULATIONS
Original weight of the aggregates = W1 g
Weight of the aggregates retained on the 1.7-mm sieve = W2 g
Loss in weight due to wear = (W1 – W2) g
W 1 W 2
Percentage wear =  100%
W1
RESULTS
The Los Angeles Abrasion Value =
Type of aggregate =
Grading of aggregate =
Number of spheres used =
Weight of charge =
DISCUSSION
(a) Name the other tests which can be used to determine the quality of the
aggregates
(b) How is Los Angeles Abrasion Value expressed?
REFERENCE
ASTM Standard C131-06, 2006, "Standard Test Method for Resistance to

Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the
Los Angeles Machine," ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2006,
www.astm.org.
11
EXPERIMENT NO. 4
Softening Point of Bitumen
AIM
To determine the softening point of a sample of bitumen.
INTRODUCTION
Bituminous materials do not have a definite melting point. Instead, as the

temperature rises, these materials slowly change from brittle or very thick and
slow-flowing materials to softer and less viscous liquids. For this reason, the
determination of ‘softening point’ must be made by a fixed and closely defined
method if results are to be comparable. The Ring-and-Ball Test has remained
a valuable test for bitumen softening point, which is the temperature at which
a given viscosity is evident. It is also an indirect measure of viscosity. The
softening point value has particular significance for materials which are to be
used as thick films, such as joint and crack fillers and roofing materials. A high
softening point ensures that they will not flow in service. For a bitumen of a
given penetration (determined at 25 °C), the higher the softening point the
lower the temperature sensitivity.
APPARATUS
(a) Rings
(b) Pouring plate
(c) Balls
(d) Ball-centering guides
(e) Bath
(f) Ring holder and assembly
(g) Thermometer
PROCEDURE
The penetration apparatus (Figure 1) has the same basic requirements as

ASTM D36 / D36M.
1. Specimens are prepared in precisely dimensioned brass rings and

maintained at a temperature of not less than 10 °C below the expected
softening point for at least 30 minutes before the test.
2. The rings and assembly, and two ball bearings, are placed in a liquid
bath filled to a depth of 105 ± 3 mm and the whole maintained at a
temperature of 5 ± 1 °C for 15 minutes.
12
3. A 9.5 mm steel ball bearing (weighing 3.50 ± 0.05 g) is centred on each

specimen and heat is then applied to the beaker so as to raise the
temperature by 5 ± 0.5 °C per minute.
4. The temperature at which each bitumen specimen touches the base

plate is recorded to the nearest 0.2 °C.
Figure 1. Bitumen softening-point test
DATA SHEET
Steel ball Softening point

(°C)
1
RESULTS
Rigid adherence to the prescribed preparation of specimens and heating is

absolutely essential for reproducibility of the results. The mean temperature of
the two specimens (which shall not differ by more than 1 °C) is recorded as
the softening point.
Higher softening point = °C
Lower softening point = °C
Difference between higher and lower readings = °C
Average softening point = °C
13
DISCUSSION
1. Check whether the difference between the higher and lower readings is
within the maximum allowable range. If the maximum range is
exceeded, discuss possible causes and suggest ways to improve the
readings.
2. Check whether the specimen comply with the softening point

requirement specified by LTA as stated in its Materials & Workmanship
Specification for Civil & Structural Works.
3. Discuss the possible consequences if a noncompliant bitumen (in

terms of softening point) is used in the construction of the wearing
course.
REFERENCE
ASTM Standard D36 / D36M-14e1, 2013, "Standard Test Method for

Softening Point of Bitumen (Ring-and-Ball Apparatus)," ASTM International,
West Conshohocken, PA, 2014, www.astm.org.
LTA E/GD/09/104/A1, 2010, “Materials & Workmanship Specification for Civil

& Structural Works,” Land Transport Authority, Singapore, 2010,
www.lta.gov.sg.
14
EXPERIMENT NO. 5
Marshall Stability Test
AIM
To determine the Marshall stability and flow value of an asphalt sample.
APPARATUS
(a) Oven
(b) Thermometer
(c) Spatula
(d) Mould assembly
(e) Compaction machine
(f) Extractor
(g) Marshall testing machine
INTRODUCTION
When a road is designed, the road engineer has to design a suitable paving
mixture of bitumen and aggregate to carry the vehicular loads.
One method was formulated by Bruce Marshall. The method is only

applicable to Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) and containing aggregates with
maximum size of 25.4 mm.
The stability of the test specimen is the maximum load which the standard test
specimen will develop. The flow value is the total movement occurring in the
specimen between no load and the maximum load during the stability test.
PROCEDURE
(a) Prepare one Marshall specimen according to a specified procedure for

heating, mixing and compacting the asphalt aggregate mixtures as
directed by the laboratory technician
(b) Measure the height of test specimen
(c) Place the specimen in position in Marshall testing machine
(d) Compress the sample to failure
(e) Note the maximum load and the corresponding flow value
(f) Apply the correction factor for the specimen height and hence obtain
the Marshall Stability value of the specimen
15
MARSHALL STABILITY CORRECTION
Marshall Test Height Correction
Stability Correction Factor

2.5
1.5
0.5
40 50 60 70 80
Specimen Height (mm)
The standard height (or thickness) of the specimen is 63.5 mm (or 2.5 in). In
cases where the specimen height deviates from 63.5 mm, the measured
Marshall Stability value need to be corrected. This is done by multiplying the
measured Marshall Stability value by an appropriate correction factor as given
in the chart above or using the Table below:
Correction factors for Marshall Stability values
Thickness of
Specimen Correction Factor
(mm)
57.10 1.19
58.70 1.14
60.30 1.09
61.90 1.04
63.50 1.00
65.10 0.96
66.70 0.93
68.30 0.89
69.90 0.86
RESULTS
(a) Vertical deformation of specimen = mm
(b) Marshall stability value = kN
(c) Flow value (in 0.254mm units) = mm
(d) Test temperature = °C
16
Report the Marshall Stability Value (kN) and Flow (in 0.254mm units) of the
specimen
DISCUSSION
(a) Discuss the significance of the Marshall Stability Value and Flow
(b) Check whether the Marshall Stability Value and Flow meets the LTA’s
requirement for Asphaltic Concrete. If not, discuss the possible
adjustments to the binder content and aggregate grading to satisfy the
requirement
REFERENCE
ASTM Standard D6927, 2006, "Standard Test Method for Marshall Stability
and Flow of Bituminous Mixtures," ASTM International, West Conshohocken,
PA, 2006, www.astm.org.
17
EXPERIMENT NO. 6
Sieve Analysis of Aggregates for Subbase Material
AIM
To determine the particle size distribution of coarse and fine aggregates by

dry sieve analysis
INTRODUCTION
Sub-base material shall be natural sand, crushed rock or crushed concrete or

Recycled Aggregates, which is a product from the processing of Construction
and Demolition (C&D) wastes, or any other granular material accepted by the
Engineer. The material shall be well-graded and lie within the grading limits of
Table 6.1. The particle size shall be determined in accordance with BS 1377.
Table 6.1 Gradation of Sub-Base Material

BS Sieve Size % by Weight Passing
75 mm 100
37.5 mm 85 - 100
10 mm 45 - 100
5 mm 25 - 85
600 m 8 - 45
75 m 0 -10
A sample of dry aggregates of known mass is separated through a series of

sieves of progressively smaller openings for determination of particle size
distribution.
Particle size distribution by sieve analysis presents the relative proportions of

different sizes of particles and determine their gradation curve.
APPARATUS
a) Test sieves as follows:

75 mm, 37.5 mm, 10 mm, 5 mm, 600 µm, 75 µm and a receiving pan.
b) Balance(s) accurate to within 0.1 % of the weight of the sample.
c) Sieve brushes.
d) Tray(s).
e) A mechanical sieve shaker.
18
PROCEDURE
a) Weigh 1 kg of oven-dried representative aggregates sample.
b) The sample consists of coarse aggregates between 400 g and 500g & fine
aggregates between 500 g and 600 g respectively.
c) Place the aggregates on the sieve stack arranged in order of decreasing

sieve size.
d) Place the sieve stack on the mechanical sieve shaker. The shaker shall run
for 10 minutes, controlled by an automatic shut-off timer.
e) Remove the sieve stack from the sieve shaker and weigh the amount of
aggregates retained on each sieve.
RESULTS & CALCULATIONS
a) Enter all information into the data sheet provided and calculate the
percentage passing each sieve.
Date: __________
Total mass of soil sample: _____________________ (g)
Sieve size Mass Retained Mass Passing Cumulative % by

(mm) (g) (g) weight passing
75
37.5
10
0.600
0.075
Pan
Total
19
b) Plot the following grading curves on a standard semi-log graph paper

provided or using MS Excel with logarithmic scale on x-axis.
i) Upper and lower grading limits of percentage by weight passing against
sieve size accordingly to the Table 6.1.
ii) Cumulative percentage by weight passing of the aggregates against

sieve size.
c) From the grading curve, estimate the percentages of coarse aggregates,

fine aggregates and filler in this sample.
DISCUSSION
a) Discuss the significance of the sieve analysis of aggregates.
b) List at least three (3) precautions that you should take to ensure best
results.
c) Comment on the grading curve of the sample and state whether it comply
with the mix gradation specified by LTA.
REFERENCE
LTA E/GD/09/104/A2, MW/10/1, 2020, “Materials & Workmanship

Specification for Civil & Structural Works,” Land Transport Authority,
Singapore, 2020.
ASTM Standard C136/C136M-19, 2020, "Standard Test Method for Sieve

Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates," ASTM International, West
Conshohocken, PA, 2010.
20
21
EXPERIMENT NO. 7
California Bearing Ratio Test
AIM
To evaluate the relative quality of sub-grade, sub-base and base soils for
pavements in terms of their load-bearing capacities based on the California
Bearing Ratio (CBR).
INTRODUCTION
All materials used in road construction (i.e. existing sub-grade, sub-base and
base course) should be tested to determine the amount of cover material
required to prevent failure of the soil layer resulting from traffic loading. The
thickness of each of these layers depends on the CBR value of the layer
below.
This test can be carried out in the laboratory on undisturbed sub-grade

material or compacted base or sub-base material, or in the field using similar
apparatus, but mounted on the back of a weighted truck where the piston is
hand wound into the soil instead of being motor-driven.
The California Bearing Ratio is so named because it was developed by the

California Department of Transportation.
APPARATUS
(a) CBR standard mould: diameter 152 mm, height 127 mm with
detachable base-plate and extension collar
(b) Metal rammer: weight 4.5 kg, standard drop 450 mm
(c) Constant rate strain compression machine for applying test load on
metal plunger: plunger area 19.35 cm2
(d) Surcharge weights
PROCEDURE
(a) Determine the weight of the mould with base plate

(b) Take a dry sample of approximately 5-kg soil passing through the 20-
mm sieve
(c) Add about 500 cc of water and mix thoroughly to get uniform moisture
content throughout the sample
(d) Attach the collar onto the mould and oil the insides
22
(e) Put a filter paper on the bottom of the mould and fill the mould in 5
equal layers, each layer compacted with 61 blows of the standard
rammer
(f) Remove the collar and trim the surface flush with the top of the mould.
Determine the weight of the mould with the base-plate and soil
(g) Place the mould onto the testing machine. Cover the soil with a piece
of filter paper
(h) Lower the plunger to sit on the soil with a load of about 50 N. Set the
dial gauges to zero
(i) Start the compression machine (which has been set at a rate of 1.25
mm/min) and take readings of the load at penetrations given in the data
sheet
(j) Stop the machine, raise the plunger and remove the mould
(k) Determine moisture content of the sample
RESULTS
Enter all the information collected above in the data sheet provided.
CALCULATIONS
(a) Calculate the wet density of the compacted soil (kg/m3)
(b) Calculate the dry density of the compacted soil (kg/m3)
(c) Calculate the moisture content of a sample of the soil
(d) From a curve of load against penetration, determine the load for 2.5-
mm and 5-mm penetration. Find the percentage ratio of this load
against a standard load of 13.2 kN for 2.5 mm and 20.0 kN for 5 mm.
The higher value is rounded off to the nearest integer and taken as the
CBR. Make any necessary corrections for the curves drawn.
REFERENCES
AASHTO (2013). T193-13: Standard Method of Test for the California Bearing
Ratio. Washington, American Association of State and Highway
Transportation Officials.
23
DATA SHEET
● DETERMINATION OF DENSITY
Mass of mould + base plate kg
Mass of mould + base plate + soil kg
Mass of soil kg
Volume of mould m3
Wet density of soil4 kg/m3
Dry density of soil5 kg/m3
● DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT
Sample number 1 2
Container number
Mass of container g
Mass of container + wet soil g
Mass of container + dry sample g
Mass of dry sample g
Mass of water g
Moisture content6 %
4
Wet density = Mass of wet soil / Volume of mould
5
Dry density = Wet density / [1 + (Moisture Content / 100%)]
6
Moisture content = (Mass of water / Mass of dry sample) × 100%
24
● LOAD/PENETRATION RELATIONSHIP
Penetration of Plunger Load on Plunger

(mm) DG Reading (div) Load (kN)
0.25
0.50
0.75
1.00
1.50
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
6.00
7.00
● GRAPH PLOTTING & COMPUTATION OF CBR VALUES
Plot Plunger Load (kN) versus Plunger Penetration (mm) on graph paper
With reference to the graph that you have plotted:
At 2.5-mm penetration: CBR   %

13.2
At 5.0-mm penetration: CBR   %

20.0
CBR of the soil tested = %
DISCUSSION
Based on the CBR of the soil sample tested, discuss its suitability as sub-
grade, sub-base and base material for the construction of Singapore roads.
25
EXPERIMENT NO. 8
Skid Resistance Test
AIM
To determine the skid resistance values of the road surface.
APPARATUS
(a) Portable skid resistance tester

(b) Ruler
(c) Water sprinkler
INTRODUCTION
Road surfaces are continually polished by the movement of vehicular traffic.

As time goes on, the surface condition deteriorates and could reach a state
when vehicles can skid easily. This state is dangerous to the road users.
Routine checks must be carried to make sure the surface of the road has
acceptable coefficient of friction. One of the instruments, which can be used to
determine the surface condition, is the Portable Skid resistance Tester.
PROCEDURE
(a) Choose the section of the road surface to be tested

(b) Align the tester with the slider swings in the direction of the traffic
(c) Level the tester
(d) Check the zero setting
(e) Adjust the contact length of the rubber pad to within 125 mm – 127 mm
(f) Place the pendulum arm with the pointer in their release position
(g) Wet the road surface and the rubber pad
(h) Press the release button and note the reading as indicated by the
pointer. This reading is known as the skid resistance value
(i) Repeat steps (f) to (h) for at least three times to determine the average
value
(j) Repeat the whole experiment for other locations
REPORT OF RESULTS
(a) Compute the average value at each site

(b) Tabulate the results under the following headings: Type of surface,
average value, minimum recorded value
26
DATA SHEET
Skid Resistance Average Minimum

Type of Surface
Values Value Value


- Asphalt


- Concrete

DISCUSSION
(a) Explain briefly the significance of the skid resistance for bituminous
surfacings
(b) Discuss the suitability of the skid resistance value for the site where the
tests were conducted
REFERENCE
British Standards Institution (1989). BS 812-114: Testing aggregates. Method

for determination of the polished-stone value. London, British Standards
Institution.
27

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BE8332 Transportation Engineering

Diploma in Civil Engineering

Academic Year 2023/2024

BE8332 Transportation Engineering

SAFETY IN THE LABORATORY ..................................................................... ii

SAFETY IN HANDLING HOT BITUMEN ......................................................... ii

SAFETY IN DOING OUTDOOR EXPERIMENTS ............................................ ii

LABORATORY ASSESSMENT (20%) ........................................................... iii

REPORT ASSESSMENT ............................................................................... iii

EXPERIMENT NO. 1 Traffic Volume Count at Intersection ............................ 1

EXPERIMENT NO. 2 Speed Study ................................................................. 5

EXPERIMENT NO. 3 Abrasion Test ............................................................. 10

EXPERIMENT NO. 4 Softening Point of Bitumen ......................................... 12

EXPERIMENT NO. 5 Marshall Stability Test ................................................ 15

EXPERIMENT NO. 6 Sieve Analysis of Aggregates for Subbase Material ... 18

EXPERIMENT NO. 7 California Bearing Ratio Test...................................... 22

EXPERIMENT NO. 8 Skid Resistance Test .................................................. 26

BE8332 Transportation Engineering

SAFETY IN THE LABORATORY

Students must strictly abide by the following safety rules:

SAFETY IN HANDLING HOT BITUMEN

When using bitumen at temperatures up to 200°C, there is always a possibility

SAFETY IN DOING OUTDOOR EXPERIMENTS

BE8332 Transportation Engineering

LABORATORY ASSESSMENT (20%)

Experiment No. Description Weightage

S/No. Report Component Weightage

BE8332 Transportation Engineering

To conduct traffic volume count at an intersection.

When determining the volume of traffic at an intersection, the students are

(a) Select an intersection

(a) Present your results neatly in the tables

Draw a flow diagram for the intersection

BE8332 Transportation Engineering

Example of Flow Diagram

(a) Explain the use of the volume study at the intersection.

BE8332 Transportation Engineering

LOCATION OF THE INTERSECTION:

Straight Ahead Vehicles

BE8332 Transportation Engineering

Total hourly traffic volume

Cars/Vans LGV HGV VHGV Small Large Total

BE8332 Transportation Engineering

To determine the distributions of speeds of different categories of vehicles

A speed study is a study of the speed of traffic on a road. It consists of a

(a) Stop watch

(a) Choose two suitable lamp posts

(a) Compute the speed of the individual vehicle

BE8332 Transportation Engineering

BE8332 Transportation Engineering

(a) Explain the objectives of carrying out the speed study

(a) Passenger Cars:

Time Mean speed = km/h

Standard deviation of Time Mean Speed = km/h

Space Mean Speed = km/h

(b) Commercial Vehicles:

Time Mean speed = km/h

Standard deviation of Time Mean Speed = km/h

Space Mean Speed = km/h

BE8332 Transportation Engineering

DATA SHEET FOR PASSENGER CARS

DIRECTION OF FLOW: DISTANCE: