TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING –I

(LABORATORY MANUAL)

NAME OF STUDENT: - ____________________________________

REGISTRATION NO: - _____________________________________

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

TAXILA
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 TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING –I

PRACTICAL NOTE BOOK

This manuscript has been prepared by Engr. Kashif Riaz of Civil Engineering Department of
University of the Engineering and Technology, Taxila. All right reserved by Civil Engineering
Department, UET, Taxila.

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 LIST OF EXPERIMENTS
TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING –I (CE-309)

1. Standard Method of Test for determination of Aggregate Impact Value (AIV).

(Designation: BS 812: Part 112: 1990)

2. Standard Method of Test for determination of Particles Shape (Elongation Index &

Flakiness Index of Coarse Aggregates).

(Designation: BS 812-105.1: 1989, BS 812-105.2: 1990)

3. Standard Method of Test for Resistance to Degradation of Small Size Coarse Aggregate

by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine.

(Designation: ASTM C 131-01, AASHTO T 96-02)

4. Standard Method of Test for Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregates.

(Designation: ASTM C 127-88 (1993), AASHTO T 85-91(2000))

5. Standard Method of Test for Penetration of Bituminous Materials.

(Designation: ASTM D 5-97, AASHTO T 49-03)

6. Standard Method of Test for Softening Point of Bitumen (Ring & Ball Apparatus).

(Designation: ASTM D 36-95, AASHTO T 53-96(2000))

7. Standard Method of Test for Flash & Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup Apparatus.

(Designation: ASTM D 92-96, AASHTO T 48-99)

8. Standard Method of Test for Ductility of Bituminous Materials.

(Designation: ASTM D 92-96, AASHTO T 48-99)

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 EXPERIMENT # 01

Standard Method of Test for determination of Aggregate Impact Value (AIV)

Designation:-

BS 812: Part 112: 1990

Scope:-
This method covers the toughness of road stone materials by Impact test.

Use:-
 Used in classification of aggregates

 Gives a measure of the resistance of an aggregate to polishing

Apparatus:-

 Impact Testing Machine

 Cylindrical measure
 Tamping rod
 Sieve
 Balance
 Oven

Introduction:-
Toughness is the property of a material to resist impact. A test designed to evaluate the
toughness of stones under repeated impacts is called Aggregate Impact Value Test.

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

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Procedure:
 Sieve the material through 12.5 mm and 10.0mm IS sieves. The aggregates passing
through 12.5mm sieve and retained on 10.0mm sieve comprises the test material.
 Pour the aggregates to fill about just 1/3 rd depth of measuring cylinder.
 Compact the material by giving 25 gentle blows with the rounded end of the tamping rod.
 Add two more layers in similar manner, so that cylinder is full.
 Strike off the surplus aggregates.
 Determine the net weight of the aggregates to the nearest grams (W).
 Bring the impact machine to rest without wedging or packing up on the level plate, block
or floor, so that it is rigid and the hammer guide columns are vertical.
 Fix the cup firmly in position on the base of machine and place whole of the test
 Sample in it and compact by giving 25 gentle strokes with tamping rod.
 Raise the hammer until its lower face is 380 mm above the surface of aggregate sample in
the cup and allow it to fall freely on the aggregate sample. Give 15 such blows at an
interval of not less than one second between successive falls.
 Remove the crushed aggregate from the cup and sieve it through 2.36 mm IS sieves until
no further significant amount passes in one minute. Weigh the fraction passing the sieve
to an accuracy of 1 gm. Also, weigh the fraction retained in the sieve.
 Compute the aggregate impact value. The mean of two observations, rounded to nearest
whole number is reported as the Aggregate Impact Value.

Observations/Results:

Sample 1 Sample 2
Total weight of dry sample ( W1 gm)
Weight of portion passing 2.36 mm sieve (W2 gm)
Aggregate Impact Value (per cent) = W2 / W1 X 100

Mean =

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Recommendations:
Classification of aggregates using Aggregate Impact Value is as given below.

Aggregate Impact Value Classification

<20% Exceptionally Strong
10 – 20% Strong
20-30% Satisfactory for road surfacing
>35% Weak for road surfacing

Specified limits of percent aggregate impact value for different types of road construction by
Indian Roads Congress is given below.

Aggregate impact
S. No Type of Pavement
value not more than

1. Wearing Course

a) Bituminous surface dressing

b) Penetration macadam 30

c) Bituminous carpet concrete

d) Cement concrete

2. Bitumen bound macadam base course 35

3. WBM base course with bitumen surfacing 40

4. Cement concrete base course 45

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 EXPERIMENT # 02

Standard Method of Test for determination of Particles Shape (Elongation

Index & Flakiness Index of Coarse Aggregates)

Designation:-

BS 812-105.1: 1989

BS 812-105.2: 1990

Scope:-
To determine the elongation index and flakiness index of the given aggregates.

Apparatus:-

The apparatus for the shape tests consists of the following

 A standard thickness gauge

 A standard length gauge
 IS sieves of sizes 63, 50 40, 31.5, 25, 20, 16, 12.5,10 and 6.3mm
 A balance of capacity 5kg, readable and accurate up to 1 gm.

Introduction:-
The particle shape of aggregates is determined by the percentages of flaky and elongated
particles contained in it. For base course and construction of bituminous and cement concrete
types, the presence of flaky and elongated particles are considered undesirable as these cause
inherent weakness with possibilities of breaking down under heavy loads. Thus, evaluation of
shape of the particles, particularly with reference to flakiness and elongation is necessary.

Definitions:
 The Flakiness index of aggregates is the percentage by weight of particles whose least
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 dimension (thickness) is less than three- fifths (0.6times) of their mean dimension. This
test is not applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3mm.
 The Elongation index of an aggregate is the percentage by weight of particles whose
greatest dimension (length) is greater than nine-fifths (1.8times) their mean dimension.
This test is not applicable for sizes smaller than 6.3mm.

Theory:
 The particle shape of aggregates is determined by the percentages of flaky and elongated
particles contained in it. For base course and construction of bituminous and cement
concrete types, the presence of flaky and elongated particles are considered undesirable
as these cause inherent weakness with possibilities of breaking down under heavy loads.
Thus, evaluation of shape of the particles, particularly with reference to flakiness and
elongation is necessary.
 The Flakiness index of aggregates is the percentage by weight of particles whose least
dimension (thickness) is less than three- fifths (0.6times) of their mean dimension. This
test is not applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3mm.
 The Elongation index of an aggregate is the percentage by weight of particles whose
greatest dimension (length) is greater than nine-fifths (1.8times) their mean dimension.
This test is not applicable for sizes smaller than 6.3mm.

Procedure:-
 Sieve the sample through the IS sieves (as specified in the table).
 Take a minimum of 200 pieces of each fraction to be tested and weigh them.
 In order to separate the flaky materials, gauge each fraction for thickness on a thickness
gauge. The width of the slot used should be of the dimensions specified in column (4) of
the table for the appropriate size of the material.
 Weigh the flaky material passing the gauge to an accuracy of at least 0.1 per cent of the
test sample.
 In order to separate the elongated materials, gauge each fraction for length on a length
gauge. The width of the slot used should be of the dimensions specified in column (6) of

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 the table for the appropriate size of the material.
 Weigh the elongated material retained on the gauge to an accuracy of at least 0.1 per cent
of the test sample.

Calculation and observations:

Size of aggregates Weight of Thickne Weight of Length Weight of

fraction ss gauge aggregates in each gauge aggregates in
Passing Retained consisting of size, fraction passing size, mm each fraction
through on IS at least 200 mm thickness gauge, retained on
IS Sieve, Sieve, pieces, g mm length gauge,
mm mm mm

63 50 W1 23.90 X1 - -

50 40 W2 27.00 X2 81.00 Y1

40 31.5 W3 19.50 X3 58.00 Y2

31.5 25 W4 16.95 X4 - -

25 20 W5 13.50 X5 40.5 Y3

20 16 W6 10.80 X6 32.4 Y4

16 12.5 W7 8.55 X7 25.5 Y5

12.5 10 W8 6.75 X8 20.2 Y6

10 6.3 W9 4.89 X9 14.7 Y7

Total W= X= Y=

Flakiness Index = (X1+ X2+…..) / (W1 + W2 + ….) X 10

Elongation Index = (Y1 + Y2 + …) / (W1 + W2 + ….) X 100

Result:
Flakiness Index = ………….

Elongation Index = ………….

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Recommended Value:

The shape tests give only a rough idea of the relative shapes of aggregates. Flaky and elongated
particles should be avoided in pavement construction, particularly in surface course. If such
particles are present in appreciable proportions, the strength of pavement layer would be
adversely affected due to possibility of breaking under loads. Workability is reduced for cement
concrete. IRC recommendations for maximum limits of flakiness index are as given.

Sr. No: Type of pavement Maximum limits of flakiness

index, %

1 Bituminous carpet 30

2 (i) Bituminous / Asphaltic concrete

(ii) Bituminous Penetration macadam

Bituminous surface dressing (single coat, 25

(iii)
two coats & pre-coats)

(iv) Built up spray grout

3 (i) Bituminous macadam

15
(ii) WBM base course and surface course

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 EXPERIMENT # 03

Standard Method of Test for Resistance to Degradation of Small Size Coarse

Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine

Designation:-

ASTM C 131-01
AASHTO T 96-02

Scope:-

This test method covers a procedure for testing sizes of coarse aggregate smaller than 37.5 mm
(11⁄2 in.) for resistance to degradation using the Los Angeles testing machine.

Aim:
(i) To determine the Los Angeles abrasion value.
(ii) To find the suitability of aggregates for use in road construction.

Use:-
 This test has been widely used as an indicator of the relative quality or competence of
various sources of aggregate having similar mineral compositions.
 The results do not automatically permit valid comparisons to be made between sources
distinctly different in origin, composition, or structure.
 Assign specification limits with extreme care in consideration of available aggregate
types and their performance history in specific end uses.

Apparatus:-

 Los Angeles Machine

 Sieves
 Charge

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Preparation of test specimen:
 Wash the sample and oven dry at 110 ± 5 °C (230 ± 9 °F).
 Record the mass of the sample prior to test to the nearest 1 g.

Standard Test Conditions:

 The interior surface of the cylinder shall be free from protrusions disrupting the path of
the sample and steel spheres.

Definition:
Abrasion is the process of scuffing, scratching, wearing down, marring, or rubbing away. It can
be intentionally imposed in a controlled process using an abrasive

Introduction:
This test is a measure of degradation of mineral aggregates
of standard grading resulting from a combination of actions
including abrasion or attrition, impact, and grinding.

Theory:
The aggregate used in surface course of the highway
pavements are subjected to wearing due to movement of
traffic. When vehicles move on the road, the soil particles
present between the pneumatic tires and road surface cause
abrasion of road aggregates. The steel reamed wheels of
animal driven vehicles also cause considerable abrasion of
the road surface. Therefore, the road aggregates should be hard enough to resist abrasion.
Resistance to abrasion of aggregate is determined in laboratory by Los Angeles test machine.
The principle of Los Angeles abrasion test is to produce abrasive action by use of standard steel
balls which when mixed with aggregates and rotated in a drum for specific number of
revolutions also causes impact on aggregates. The percentage wear of the aggregates due to
rubbing with steel balls is determined and is known as Los Angeles Abrasion Value.
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Procedure:
 Place the test sample and the charge in the Los Angeles testing machine and rotate the
machine at a speed of 30 to 33r/min for 500 revolutions.
 After the prescribed number of revolutions, discharge the material from the machine
 Make a preliminary separation of the sample on a sieve coarser than the 1.70-mm (No.
12) sieve.
 Sieve the finer portion on a 1.70-mm sieve.
 Wash the material coarser than the 1.70-mm (No. 12) sieve and oven-dry at 110 ± 5 °C
(230 ± 9 °F).
 Determine the mass to the nearest 1 g

Sieve size
Weight of test sample in gm

Retained on
Passing (mm)
(mm) A B C D E F G

80 63 2500*

63 50 2500*

50 40 5000* 5000*

40 25 1250 5000* 5000*

25 20 1250 5000*

20 12.5 1250 2500

12.5 10 1250 2500

10 6.3 2500

6.3 4.75 2500

4.75 2.36 5000

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 *Tolerance of ± 12 percent permitted.

Grading No of Steel Weight of charge in gm

balls

A 12 5000 ± 25

B 11 4584 ±25

C 8 3330 ± 20

D 6 2500 ± 15

E 12 5000 ± 25

F 12 5000 ± 25

G 12 5000 ± 25

Observations:
Original weight of aggregate sample = W1 g

Weight of aggregate sample retained = W2 g

Weight passing 1.7mm IS sieve = W1 - W2 g

Abrasion Value = (W1 - W2) / W1 X 100

Result:

Los Angeles Abrasion Value =

LOSS % =

Recommended values:

 Percent loss should be between 10-45%.

 Los Angeles test is commonly used to evaluate the hardness of aggregates. The test has
more acceptability because the resistance to abrasion and impact is determined

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 simultaneously. Depending upon the value, the suitability of aggregates for different road
constructions can be judged as per IRC specifications as given:

Sr. No Type of Pavement Max. Permissible abrasion value %

1 Water bound macadam sub base course 60
2 WBM base course with bituminous surfacing 50
3 Bituminous bound macadam 50
4 WBM surfacing course 40
5 Bituminous penetration macadam 40
Bituminous surface dressing,
6 35
Cement concrete surface course
7 Bituminous concrete surface course 30

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 EXPERIMENT # 04

Standard Method of Test for Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse

Aggregates

Designation:-

ASTM C 127-88 (1993)

AASHTO T 85-91(2000)

Scope:-
This test method covers the determination of bulk specific gravity and water Absorption of
coarse aggregates.

Aim:
 To measure the strength or quality of the material
 To determine the water absorption of aggregates
Introduction:

This test method determines the specific gravity of coarse aggregates that have been soaked for a
period of 15 hours. There are four determinations that may be made from this procedure. They
are as follows:

 Bulk dry specific gravity (Gsb)

 Bulk SSD specific gravity (Gsb SSD)
 Apparent specific gravity (Gsa)
 Absorption (% Abs)

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Significance and Use:

 Specific Gravity is the ratio of the weight of a given volume of aggregate to the weight of
an equal volume of water. Water, at a temperature of 73.4°F (23°C) has a specific
gravity of 1.
 Specific Gravity is important for several reasons. Some deleterious particles are lighter
than the good aggregates. Tracking specific gravity can sometimes indicate a change of
material or possible contamination. Differences in specific gravity may be used during
production to separate the deleterious particles from the good using a heavy media liquid.

Definitions:

 Absorption: The increase in weight due to water contained in the pores of the material.

 Bulk Dry Specific Gravity: The ratio of the weight in air of a unit volume of aggregate
at a stated temperature to the weight in air of an equal volume of gas-free distilled water
at the stated temperature.

 Bulk SSD Specific Gravity: The ratio of the weight in air of a unit volume of aggregate,
including the weight of water within the voids filled to the extent achieved by
submerging in water for approximately 15 hours, to the weight in air of an equal volume
of gas-free distilled water at the stated temperature.

 Apparent Specific Gravity: The ratio of the weight in air of a unit volume of the
impermeable portion of aggregate (does not include the permeable pores in aggregate) to
the weight in air of an equal volume of gas-free distilled water at the stated temperature.

 SSD – (Saturated, Surface Dry): The condition in which the aggregate has been soaked
in water and has absorbed water into its pore spaces. The excess, free surface moisture

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 has been removed so that the particles are still saturated, but the surface of the particle is
essentially dry.
APPARATUS:

 Sample container
 Balance
 Suspended Apparatus
 Sieve No#4
 Water tank

Preparation of Test Specimen:

 Thoroughly mix the sample of aggregate and reduce it to the approximate quantity.
 Reject all material passing sieve # 4 by drying, sieving, and thoroughly washing the
aggregate to remove dust or other coating from the surface.
 If the coarse aggregate contains a substantial quantity of material finer then 4.75-mm, use
sieve No # 8 in place of sieve No # 4.
 Alternately, separate the material finer than the 4.75-mm sieve and test the finer material
according to T 84.

Standard Test Conditions:

 The standard test procedure soaks the sample for 15 - 19 hours. The NDDOT
modification is to soak the sample for 17±1 hours.
 The standard procedure specifies that the calculated specific gravities be recorded to the
hundredth and the calculated absorption be recorded to the tenth of a percent.
 The NDDOT modification is to record the calculated specific gravity to the thousandths
and the calculated absorption to the hundredth of a percent.
 In this test we reduce the sample to the required size of aggregate.

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 Nominal Size (mm) Min. Sample weight(kg)
12.5 2
19 3
25 4
37.5 5
50 8
63 12
75 18

Procedure:

 Dry sieve all material on the No. 4 sieve. Discard all material passing the No. 4 sieve.
Wash the remaining sample to remove any dust or other coatings from the surface.
 Dry the sample according to T 255 at a temperature of 230 ± 9°F (110 ± 5°C). Then
allow the sample to cool to a comfortable handling temperature. Immerse the aggregate in
water at room temperature for a period of 17±1 hour.
 Remove the sample from the water and roll in a large absorbent cloth until all visible
films of water are removed. At this point the sample is in a saturated surface dry
condition (SSD). Place the sample in a container. Weigh, and record as weight of
saturated surface dry sample in air. Record to 0.1% of sample mass.
 After weighing, place the saturated surface dry sample in the sample basket. Immerse in
water that is at a temperature of 73.4 ± 3°F (23.0 ± 1.7°C). Take care to remove all
entrapped air before weighing by shaking the basket while immersed. Determine the
weight and record as weight of saturated sample in water.
 Remove the sample from water and place in a pan.
 Dry the sample according to T 255 at a temperature of 230 ± 9°F (110 ± 5°C). Allow the
sample to cool until comfortable to handle. Weigh and record as weight of oven dry
sample in air.

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Calculation / Results:

Determine calculations based on appropriate formula.

A = Oven dry weight

B = SSD weight.

C = Weight in water

Bulk Specific Gravity (Gsb) Gsb = A / (B-C)

Bulk SSD Specific Gravity (Gsb SSD) Gsb SSD = B / (B-C)

Apparent Specific Gravity (Gsa) Gsa = A / (A-C)

Absorption (% Abs) % Abs. = [(B-A) / A] x 100

(1) Specific gravity = dry weight of the aggregate

Weight of equal volume of water

(2) Apparent specific gravity = dry weight of the aggregate

Weight of equal volume of water

excluding air voids in aggregate
(3) Water Absorption = ((W3 – W4) / W4) X 100

(1) Specific gravity =

(2) Apparent specific gravity =

(3) Water Absorption =

Recommended Value:

The size of the aggregate and whether it has been artificially heated should be indicated. ISI

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specifies three methods of testing for the determination of the specific gravity of aggregates,
according to the size of the aggregates. The three size ranges used are aggregates larger than
10 mm, 40 mm and smaller than 10 mm. The specific gravity of aggregates normally used in
road construction ranges from about 2.5 to 3.0 with an average of about 2.68. Though high
specific gravity is considered as an indication of high strength, it is not possible to judge the
suitability of a sample road aggregate without finding the mechanical properties such as
aggregate crushing, impact and abrasion values. Water absorption shall not be more than 0.6
per unit by weight.

If the sample is for use in concrete mixtures in which they will be used in their natural condition,
the initial drying requirement is eliminated and if the surfaces have been kept continuously wet
until the test, the soaking time may also be eliminated

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 EXPERIMENT # 05

Standard Method of Test for Penetration of Bituminous Materials

Designation:-

ASTM D 5-97

AASHTO T 49-03

Scope:
This test method covers the determination of Penetration Grade of bitumen.

Aim:

(i) To determine the consistency of bituminous material

(ii) To assess the suitability of bitumen for use under different climatic conditions and
various types of construction.

Introduction:

Consistency:

 Resistance of a Material to flow

 Distance in 1/10th of mm that a needle penetrates under standard test conditions.

Significance and Use:

 Determination of Penetration Grade (Hardness) of bitumen.

 Selection of bitumen grade according to climatic conditions.
 High penetration value ĺ Softer Consistency ĺ Preferred for colder climate & vice versa.

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Apparatus:

 Penetrometer
 Penetration Needle
 Length = 50mm
 Dia = 1.0 ĺ 1.02 mm
 Angle of tapering = 8.7 ĺ 9.7 degree Sample Container
 Water Bath
 Timing Device
 Thermometers

Preparation of test specimen:

 Heat the specimen (not more than 30 minutes)

 Pour in sample container and cool at room temperature (15 ºC to 30ºC) for 1 to 1.5 hour
 Place in water bath at 25 ºC

Standard Test Conditions:

 Temperature 25 ºC
 Load 100 grams
 Time 5 seconds

Procedure:

 Place the sample container under the needle.

 Lower the needle until it just makes contact with the sample surface.
 Bring the pointer to zero and release the needle for specified time, under standard test
conditions.
 Note the reading which will be in 1/10th of mm.
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  Take three readings at different points on sample. All these points should be 10mm apart
and also 10mm from the sides of the container.
 Take the average of 3 penetrations up to nearest whole number.

Calculation/Results:

Grade of bitumen (Average

Determination No. Penetration (grade of Bitumen)
penetration)

1 84

2 83 (84+83+82)/3=83

3 82

Recommendation:

Penetration test is a commonly adopted test on bitumen to grade the material in terms of its
hardness. An 80/100 grade bitumen indicates that its penetration value lies between 80 &
100.Grading of bitumen helps to assess its suitability in different climatic conditions and types of
construction. For bituminous macadam and penetration macadam, IRC suggests bitumen grades
30/40, 60/70, 80/100. In warmer regions, lower penetration grades are preferred to avoid
softening whereas higher penetration grades like 180/200 are used in colder regions to prevent
the occurrence of excessive brittleness. High penetration grade is used in spray application
works.

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 EXPERIMENT # 06

Standard Method of Test for Softening Point of Bitumen (Ring & Ball

Apparatus)

Designation:-

ASTM D 36-95
AASHTO T 53-96(2000)

Scope:-
This test method covers the determination of Softening Point of bitumen.

Introduction:
Softening Point is the temperature at which substance attains a particular degree of softening
under specific conditions.

Significance and Use:

Useful in Classification of bitumen

 Indication of tendency of material to flow at elevated temperatures.

 Bitumen with higher softening point is less susceptible to temperature changes.

Definition:
Softening point (ring and ball) test is a method for the determination of the softening point of
bitumen and bituminous binders, in the range 30 °C to 150 °C.

Preparation of Test Sample:

Two horizontal disks of bitumen, cast in shouldered brass rings, are heated at a controlled rate in
a liquid bath while each supports a steel ball. The softening point is reported as the mean of the
temperatures at which the two disks soften enough to allow each ball, enveloped in bitumen, to
fall a distance of25 mm (1.0 in.)

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Apparatus:
 Two brass rings
 Two steel balls
 Dia = 3/8 inch
 Weight = 3.5 gm
 Glass vessel (bath)
 Ring holder
 Thermometers

Procedure:
 Heat the bitumen sample until it becomes sufficiently fluid
 Heat the sample while stirring to avoid incorporation of air bubbles in the sample.
 Heat the brass rings and pour the sample in them.
 Allow it to cool in air for 30 minutes
 Cut away excess bitumen.
 Assemble the apparatus and fill the glass vessel with water up to 105mm depth.
 Place balls at bottom of bath and heat the whole assembly for
 Minutes to maintain proper starting temperature.
 Now place balls on brass rings and heat the vessel at uniform rate of 5 ºC/min.
 Record the temperature for each ball at which the bitumen surrounding the ball touches
the bottom plate.
 If difference between the two temperatures is greater than 1 ºC, repeat the test.

Calculation/Result:

Specimen No: Temperature ºC Mean Value

1
2

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Recommendation:
 Soft Bitumen → 35--- 43 ºC
 Hard Bitumen → 48 --- 56 ºC
 Softening point indicates the temperature at which
binders possess the same viscosity. Bituminous
materials do not have a melting point. Rather, the
change of state from solid to liquid is gradual over
a wide range of temperature. Softening point has particular significance for materials to
be used as joint and crack fillers. Higher softening point ensures that they will not flow
during service. Higher the softening point, lesser the temperature susceptibility. Bitumen
with higher softening point is preferred in warmer places.

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 EXPERIMENT # 07

Standard Method of Test for Flash & Fire Points by Cleveland Open
Cup Apparatus

Designation:-

ASTM D 92-96
AASHTO T 48-99

Scope:-
The temperature at which vapors continue to burn for a period of at least 5 seconds

Significance and Use:

 Bituminous materials leave out volatiles at high temperature. The quantity of volatile
materials depends upon their grades. These volatiles catch fire causing a flash.
 This condition is very hazardous and it is therefore essential to qualify this temperature
for each bitumen grade, so that paving engineers may restrict the mixing and application
temperatures.
 Flash and Fire Point tests are primarily safety tests, flash point being the more important
since it indicates the maximum temperature up to which the binder can be safely heated.

Apparatus:

 Flash Point of most penetration grade bitumen lies in the

range of 246 to 316 ºC.
 Cleveland Open Cup Apparatus:
 This apparatus consists of test cup, heating plate ,test flame
applicator and support
 Method of producing test flame.

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  Thermometers

Preparation of Test Specimen:

 Support the apparatus on a level steady table.

 Tests are too performed in a draft free room or compartment.
 Wash the test cup with the cleaning solvent to remove any test specimen or traces of gum
or residue remaining from a previous test.
 Support the temperature measuring device in a vertical position with the bottom of the
device located 6.4 ± 0.1 mm up from the bottom of inside or test cup and located at a
point halfway between the center and the side of the test cup on a diameter perpendicular
to the arc (or line) of the sweep of the test flame and on the side opposite to the test flame
applicator mounting position.
 Prepare the manual apparatus or the automated apparatus for operation according to
manufacturer’s instructions for calibrating, checking, and operating the equipment.

Standard Test Condition:

 Adjust the automated flash point detection system.

 Calibrate the temperature measuring device according to manufacturer’s instructions.
 Verify the performance of the manual apparatus by testing the calibration fluid.

Procedure:

 The test cup is filled with the sample to the filling line, at a temperature not exceeding
100-180ºC above softening point.
 The temperature of the sample is increased rapidly at first and then at slow rate as the
flash point is approached.
 At specified intervals; a small test flame is passed across the cup.
 The lowest temperature at which application of the test flame causes the vapors above
the surface of the sample to ignite is taken as the flash point.

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  The temperature at which the vapors continue to burn for a period of at least 5
seconds is Fire Point.

Calculation/Results:

 Flash Point of bitumen is …………..

 Fire Point of bitumen is …………..

Recommended Values:

The minimum value of flash point by Pen sky Martens closed type apparatus is 175°C for all
grades of bitumen.

 Range: 232 – 450

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 EXPERIMENT # 08

Standard Method of Test for Ductility of Bituminous Materials

Designation:-

ASTM D 92-96

AASHTO T 48-99

Scope:-
This test method covers the determination of Ductility of bitumen.

Introduction:
A ductile material is one that elongates when held in tension. It is the distance in
centimeters that a standard semi- solid will elongate before breaking. Consistency is defined
as resistance of material to flow.

Definition:
Ductility is defined as distance in cm to which a standard briquette of bitumen can be stretched
before the thread breaks

Significance and Use:

 It i s a m e a s u r e o f t en si l e prope rt i es of bit uminous material.
 Ductility is desirable to overcome the movements induced in the
surfacing by traffic and temperature stresses.
 High d u c t i l i t y c o r r e s p o n d s t o h i g h s u s c e p t i b i l i t y t o temperature and vice
versa.

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Standard Test Conditions:
The test should be done at temperature of 25°C and with a speed of 5 cm/min.

Apparatus:
 Brass Mould
 Water Bath
 Testing Machine
 For pulling the briquette of bituminous materials apart at uniform speed .While the
specimen immersed in water.
 Thermometers

Procedure:

 Assemble the mold on a brass plate.

 Fill it with bituminous sample.
 Cool to room temperature for 30-40 minutes.
 Place in water bath for 30 minute and cut off extra bitumen.
 Again place in water bath for 85-95 minutes.
 Remove s i d e b r i q u e t t e s a n d p l a c e t h e s a m p l e i n t e s t i n g machine by
clamping.
 Pull the two clips at a speed of 50mm/min until sample ruptures.
 Specified test temperature = 25ºC.
 Measure the distance in centimeters through which the clips have been pulled to
produce rupture.
 Water in the tank should cover specimen above and below by 2.5 cm.
 Adjust specific gravity of water for exact measurement, by methyl alcohol and
sodium chloride.

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Calculation/Result:

Breaking point of bitumen ………………… in cm

Recommended Values:

 The minimum ductility value of A35 & S35 grade bitumen is 50 cm at 270C

 All other grades, the ductility value is 75 cm at 270C.

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