Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Compiled By
D.V.Bhavanna Rao, M.Tech., F.I.E.,
Chief Engineer (R&B) Quality Control, Andhra Pradesh
and Member COT
http://aproadbuildqa.blogspot.com
QUALITY CONTROL TESTS
1. PREPARATION OF DRY SOIL SAMPLES FOR VARIOUS TESTS
(IS: 2720 PART 1 – 1983)
SCOPE
This standard (Part I) covers the method of preparation of dry samples from the bulk soil
sample received from the field for various laboratory tests.
APPARATUS
1 Wooden Mallet : For breaking soil clods.
2 Trays : For air drying of soil of suitable size and of non-rusting material.
3 Pulverizing Apparatus: Either mortar and rubber covered pestle or a mechanical
device consisting of a mortar and a power driven rubber covered pestle suitable for
breaking up the aggregation of soil particles without reducing the size of the individual
grains. Pestle and mortar made of soft wood may also be used.
4 Sampler : A suitable riffle sampler or sample splitter for quartering the samples (see IS:
1607-1960† ‘methods for dry sieving’).
5 Sieves : Of sizes 75 mm, 63 mm, 37.5 mm, 19 mm, 13.2 mm, 9.5 mm, 6.7 mm, 4.75 mm,
2.00 mm and 425 micron {see IS: 460(part I)-1978‡ ‘specification for test sieves: part I wire
cloth test sieves (second division)’}.
6 Drying Apparatus : a) Drying oven: Thermostatically controlled with interior of non
corroding material to maintain the temperature between 105 0 to
1100 C.
b) Other suitable drying apparatus.
7 Balance: a) Capacity 10 kg and min. sensitivity 100 g.
b) Capacity 1 kg and min. sensitivity 1 g
c) Capacity 250 g and min. sensitivity 0.01 g
Preparation of Samples for Tests
1 General : Soil sample as received from the field shall be dried in the air or in the sun. In
wet weather, a drying apparatus may be used in which case the temperature of the sample
should not exceed 60°C.The clods may be broken with a wooden mallet to hasten drying.
The organic matter, like tree roots and pieces of bark should be removed from the sample.
Similarly, matter other than soil, like shells should also be separated from the main soil
mass. A noting shall be made of such removals and their percentage of the total soil sample
noted. When samples are to be taken for estimation of Organic content, lime content etc,
total sample should be taken for estimation without removing shells, roots etc.
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2 Drying of the sample: The amount of drying depends up on the proposed tests to be
conducted on the particular sample. The type, temperature and duration of drying of soil
samples for different tests are given in table-I... When oven is used for drying, the
temperature
in the oven shall not exceed 110°C (see note.). Chemical drying of samples should not be
adopted for any tests.
Note: Soils containing Organic or Calcareous matter should not be dried at temperature above 60°C.
3 Degree of Pulverization: The big clods may be broken with the help of wooden mallet.
Further pulverization may be done in pestle and mortar. The pulverized soil shall be passed
through the specified sieve for the particular test and the soil retained on that sieve shall be
again pulverized for sieving, this procedure should be repeated until on further attempts at
pulverizing very little soil passes through the specified sieve. Care should be taken not to
breakup the individual soil particles (see table-I).
68
Air Drying/Oven
xi Direct Shear 1 kg 4.75 mm part 13
110o ± 5o C
As per size of
particle given
below
Density Index
Oven, 105 to1100C 75 mm 45 kg Part
xii (Relative --
24 h 37.5 mm 12 kg 14
Density)
19 mm 12 kg
9.5 mm 12 kg
4.75 mm 12 kg
Negative Pore
xxi Do 1 kg / 5 kg -- part 35
Water Pressure
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Permeability of Air Drying / Oven
xxii 1 kg / 5 kg -- part 36
Granular soils 1100 C ± 50C
sand equivalent
xxiii 110o C ± 5oC 1500 g 4.75 mm part 37
value
part 39/
xxiv Direct Shear Air Drying up to 120 g above 4.75 mm
section 1
Free Swell
xxv Oven Dry 20 g 425 microns part 40
Index
Quantity of Sample
1 The quantities of soil sample required for conducting various laboratory tests are given
in table-I for guidance.
Note: - For actual quantities corresponding part of IS 2720 shall be referred.
2 When a smaller quantity has to be taken out of a bigger soil mass, representative
sampling shall be done by quartering or riffling
Note: - In the case of coarse gravel or gravelly soils, quartering by forming a cone shall not be done.
The entire sample shall be thoroughly mixed and spread on a flat surface. The sample so
spread shall be divided in to four quadrants and diagonally opposite quadrants mixed. This
process shall be repeated till the desired quantity of sample is obtained.
Table 2 Quantity of sample required for Table 3 Quantity of Soil required for
determination of water content grain size analysis
Minimum quantity of soil Maximum Size of Material
Size of Particles more Mass to be
specimen to be taken for the Present in Substantial
than 90% passing taken for Test.
test. Mass in Grams. Quantities
70
3. Weigh the required quantity of material from the prepared sample.
4. Place the sieves over a clean tray one over the other in the ascending order of size.
5. Shake the sieve with a varied motion, backwards and forwards, left to right, circular
clockwise and anti clockwise, and with frequent jerking, so that the material is kept moving
over the sieve surfaces.
6. Do not force the material through the sieve by hand, except for sizes coarser than 20mm.
7. Break the lumps of fine particles, if any, with fingers against the side of the sieve.
8. Light brushing with a soft brush on the under side of sieve may be done to clear surface.
9. Find the individual weight of material retained on each sieve and record.
10. Calculate the percentage by weight of the total sample passing each sieve and report the
results in Form EW- 1.
B. Wet Sieve Analysis
(for soil fraction passing 4.75 mm sieve and retained on 75 micron sieve)
1. Take a portion of the sample prepared by drying in oven and brought to room temperature.
2. Soak the sample in water and leave it for soaking overnight.
3. Wash out the finer fraction passing through 75 micron sieve.
4. Then dry it in oven for 24 hours and sieve the dry particles and find the percentage of soil
passing through each sieve and report the results in form EW-1
75 mm
63 mm
37.5 mm
19 mm
13.2 mm
9.5 mm
6.7 mm
4.75 mm
2.00 mm
4.25 micron
71
Wet sieving Weight of soil sample taken in gm
I.S. Sieve Weight of Sample Percent of Wt. Cumulative Percent Percentage of Wt.
designation retained (gm) Retained of Wt. retained (%) Passing
2.36 mm
1.18 mm
600 µ
425 µ
75 µ
Summary of Results
72
touches the surface of the soil paste in the trough. The scale of the Penetrometer shall then be
adjusted to zero and the vertical rod released so that the cone is allowed to penetrate into the
soil paste under its weight. The penetration shall be noted after 5 seconds from the release of
the cone. If the penetration is less than 16 mm, the wet soil from the trough shall be taken
out and more water added and thoroughly mixed. The test shall then be repeated
again till a penetration between 16 mm and 26 mm is obtained. The exact depth of
penetration between these two values obtained during the test shall be noted. The
moisture content of the corresponding soil paste shall be determined in accordance
with IS: 2720 (Part -2) - 1973.
Computations – The water content is determined for the accepted trial. The liquid limit is
computed from the following relationship
WL = W c + 0.01 (25 – D) (W c + 15)
Where WL = liquid limit of the soil,
Wc = moisture content of soil paste corresponding to penetration of D
and D = depth penetration of cone obtained in mm.
Report
1 The results of observations of the test shall be recorded suitably.
2 The liquid limit should be reported to the nearest whole number. The history of the soil
sample, that is, natural state, air-dried, oven dried or unknown, the method used for the test
and the period of soaking allowed after mixing of water to the soil shall also be reported.
III. Determination of Atterberg Limits of Soil
Liquid Limit (LL)
1. Take 120 gm of soil passing IS: 425 micron sieve.
2. Mix it with distilled water to form a paste.
3. Place a portion of the paste in the cup of the apparatus.
4. Level the specimen to half the cup.
5. Cut the paste with the standard grooving tool along the centre line.
6. Start rotating the handle at 2 revolutions per second.
7. Count number of blows till two parts of the sample come into contact at the bottom of the
groove (along a distance of 12 mm).
8. Record the number of blows and determine m.c. of the sample taken near the closed
groove.
9. Repeat the test by changing the m.c. so that number of blows to close the groove is from 35
to 10.
10. Plot a graph between log (number of blows) and moisture content and fit a straight line.
11. Read the m.c. corresponding to 25 number of blows from the graph. This gives the Liquid
Limit of the soil.
73
Or
Palette Knives – two, with the blade about 20 cm long and 3 cm wide (for use with flat
glass plate for mixing soil and water).
3 Surface for Rolling – ground glass plate about 20 x 15 cm.
4 Containers – airtight to determine moisture content.
5 Balance – sensitive to 0.01 g.
6 Oven – thermostatically controlled with interior of non-corroding material to maintain the
temperature between 1050C and 1100C.
7 Rod - 3 mm in diameter and about 10 cm long.
Soil Sample – A sample weighing about 20 g from the thoroughly mixed portion of the material
passing 425 micron IS Sieve, obtained in accordance with IS: 2720 (Part I)-1983 * shall be
taken.
When both the liquid limit and the plastic limit of a soil are to be determined, a quantity of soil
sufficient for both the tests shall be taken for preparation of the soil. At a stage in the process of
mixing of soil and water at which the mass becomes plastic enough to be easily shaped into a
ball, a portion of the soil sample in the plastic state should be taken for the plastic limit test.
Procedure – The soil sample shall be mixed thoroughly with distilled water in an evaporating
dish or on the flat glass plate till the soil mass becomes plastic enough to be easily moulded
with fingers. In the case of clayey soils, the plastic soil mass shall be left to stand for a sufficient
time (24 hours) to ensure uniform distribution of moisture throughout the soil mass(See above
Para). A ball shall be formed with about 8 g of this plastic soil mass and rolled between the
fingers and the glass plate With just sufficient pressure to roll the mass into a thread of uniform
diameter throughout its length. The rate of rolling shall be done till the threads are of 3 mm
diameter. The soil shall then be kneaded together to a uniform mass and rolled again. This
process of alternate rolling and the soil can no longer be rolled into a thread. The crumbling
may occur when the thread has a diameter greater than 3 mm. This shall be considered a
satisfactory end point, provided the soil has been rolled into a thread 3 mm in diameter
immediately before. At no time shall attempt be made to produce failure at exactly 3 mm
diameter by allowing the thread to reach 3 mm, then reducing the rate of rolling or pressure or
both, and continuing the rolling without further deformation until the thread falls apart. The
pieces of crumbled soil thread shall be collected in an air-tight container and the moisture
content determined as described in IS: 2720 (Part II)-1973*.
Report
1 The observations of test should be recorded suitably.
2 The moisture content determined as above, is the plastic limit of the soil. The
plastic limit shall be determined for at least three portions of the soil passing 425
micron IS Sieve. The average of the results calculated to the nearest whole number
shall be reported as the plastic limit of the soil.
3 The history of the soil sample (that is, natural state, air-dried, oven dried or unknown) and the
period of soaking allowed after mixing of water to the soil shall also be reported.
Examples of Liquid Limit Tests
Sl Locatio Penetra Cup Wt. of Wt. H2O Wt. of Wt. Moistur WL =W
. n tion in No. Empty Of (5 - 6 = Empt of dry e N ÷
mm (n) Cup + Dry 7) Soil Conten 0.77
N y cup
o. Wet Soil (6 –8 t Wn(%) log D
(4) Soil + (8) =9) (7/9 x
(2) (3) (5) Cup (7) 100) (11)
(1 (6) (9) (10)
)
74
Km1/8
1 90 102.4 85.4 17 32.2 53.2 31.95 32.00
MN Road 25
Km3/6
2 22 87 109 91.4 17.6 30.7 60.7 29.00 30.00
MN Road
Km4/10
3 25 71 83.2 62.1 21.1 32.2 29.9 70.57 71.00
MN Road
Km6/4
4 24 26 105.4 83.7 21.7 32.5 51.2 42.38 43.00
MN Road
75
Volume of soil in water - volume of soil in kerosene
Sd= xlOO
Volume of soil in kerosene
9. If the value of Sd is 50 percent or more, the soil is expansive and not suitable for use as
embankment fill material. (For EW-5(a))
76
thick, (iv) Metal tray with a central circular hole of diameter equal to the diameter of the pouring
cone, (v) Tools for excavating hole, (vi) Balance accurate to 1 g, (vii) Container for water
content determination, (viii) Clean, closely graded natural sand passing the 1mm IS Sieve and
retained on the 600-micron IS Sieve.
Test Procedure
(A) Determination of mass of sand filling the cone
1. Fill the clean closely graded sand in the sand pouring cylinder upto a height 1 cm below the
top. Determination the total initial mass of the cylinder plus sand (M1). This total initial mass
should be maintained constant throughout the tests for which the calibration is used.
2. Allow the sand of volume equivalent to that of the excavated hole in the soil (or equal to that
of the calibrating container), to run out of cylinder by opening the shutter. Close the shutter
and place the cylinder on glass plate.
3. Open the shutter and allow the sand to run out. Close the valve when no further movement
of sand is observed. Remove the cylinder carefully. Weigh the sand collected on the glass
surface. Its mass (M2) will give the mass of sand filling the pouring cone. Repeat this step at
least three times and take the mean mass (M2). Put the sand back into the cylinder, to have
the same constant mass (M1).
77
(b) Determination of bulk density of sand
3. Volume of calibrating container V 1000 ml
4. Mean mass of sand (+cylinder) after pouring M3 8655 g
5. Mass of sand filling calibrating container = M1 - M3 - M2 1450 g
6. Bulk Density of sand γS =1450 / 1000 1.45 g/cm3
(c) Bulk density of soil
7. Mass of wet soil from the hole M 2234g
8. Mass of sand (+cylinder) after pouring in the hole M4 8512g
9. Mass of sand in the hole = M1 - M4 - M2 1593g
10. Bulk density of soil(γ) = 2234 / 1593 X 1.45 2.03 g/cm3
(d) Water content determination
11. Container No 11
12. Mass of container + wet soil 62.48 g
13. Mass of container + dry soil 57.76 g
14. Mass of container 21.43 g
15. Mass of dry soil 36.33 g
16. Mass of water 4.72 g
17. Water content (w) Ratio 0.13
18. Dry density γd =_γ_ _2.03_
1.8 g/cm3
1+w 1+0.13
Reference to Indian standard: IS: 2720-1974 (Part XXVIII) by sand replacement method):
3. Puddle the sample thoroughly in water and transfer the slurry to the 4.75 mm sieve, which
divides the gravel fraction from the sand fraction. Wash the slurry with jet of water. Collect the
78
materials retained on 4.75 mm sieve and the material passing through it in separate containers.
Keep the material retained on 4.75 mm sieve in the oven.
4. Wash the material passing through the 4.75 mm sieve through a 75-micron sieve so that silt
and clay particles are separated from the sand fraction. Collect the material passing through
75-micron sieve and the material retained on it in separate containers, and keep them in the
oven.
5. Sieve the dried material, retained on 4.75 mm sieve (step 3), through the following set of
sieves: 63 mm, 20 mm, 10 mm, and 4.75 mm by hand sieving. While sieving through each
sieve, the sieve shall be agitated so that the sample rolls in irregular motion over the sieve. The
material from the sieve may be rubbed, if necessary, with the rubber pestle in the mortar taking
care to see that individual soil particles are not broken and re-sieved to make sure that only
individual particles are retained. The mass of material retained on each sieve should be
recorded.
6. Sieve the dried material, retained on 75-micron sieve (step 4), through the following set of
sieves: 2 mm, 1mm, 600 micron, 425 micron, 300 micron, 212 micron, 150 micron and 75
micron size. The set of sieve should be arranged one above the other and fitted to a
mechanical sieve shaker such that the 2 mm sieve is at the top and the 75-micron sieve is at
the bottom. A cover should be placed on the top of the 2 mm sieve, and a receiver should be
placed below the 75-micron sieve. A minimum of 10 minutes sieving should be used. The soil
fraction retained on each sieve should be carefully collected in containers and the mass of each
fraction determined and recorded.
Alternatively, the material retained on 75 micron sieve (step 4), may not be dried, but be
washed through a set of sieves specified in step 6, nested in order of their fineness with the
finest (75 micron) at the bottom. Washing should be continued until the water passing through
each sieve is substantially clean. The fraction retained on each sieve should be emptied
carefully with out loss of material in separate container and oven-dried. The oven-dried fraction
should be weighed separate and their mass should be recorded.
7. The material passing 75-micron sieve (step 4) may be used for sedimentation analysis.
Tabulation of observations. The test observations and results are recorded as illustrated in
Table below.
Calculations. The percentage of soil retained on each sieve is calculated on the basis of total
mass of soil sample taken and from these results the percent passing through each of the sieve
is calculated, as illustrated in Table below.
TABLE : Data and Observation Sheet for Sieve Analysis
Sample No. 108 Mass retained on 4.75 mm sieve: 167 g
Mass of dry soil sample: 1000g Mass passing through 75 micron size: 77 g
Mass
Particle size % Cumulative Cumulative %
S.No. IS Sieve retained
D (mm) retained % retained finer (N)
(g)
1. 100 mm 100 mm - - - 100
2. 63 mm 63 mm - - - 100
3. 20 mm 20 mm 33 3.3 3.3 96.7
4. 10 mm 10 mm 49 4.9 8.2 91.8
5. 4.75 mm 4.75 mm 85 8.5 16.7 83.3
6. 2 mm 2 mm 140 14.0 30.7 69.3
7. 1 mm 1 mm 160 16.0 46.7 53.3
8. 600 micron 0.6 mm 142 14.2 60.9 39.1
79
9. 425 micron 0.425 mm 118 11.8 72.7 27.3
10. 300 micron 0.300 mm 82 8.2 80.9 19.1
11. 212 micron 0.212 mm 56 5.6 86.5 13.5
12. 150 micron 0.150 mm 35 3.5 90.0 10.0
13. 75 micron 0.075 mm 23 2.3 92.3 7.7
Note 1. Dry Sieve Analysis. If the soil sample contains little or no fines (passing 75 micron
sieve), dry sieve analysis may be carried out. Dry sieving through 4.75 mm sieve first
separates the gravel fraction and sand fraction. The material retained on 4.75 mm size is
further sieved through the following set of sieves: 2mm, 1 mm, 600 micron, 425 micron, 300
micron, 212 micron, 150 micron and 75 micron sizes.
Note 2. The permissible maximum mass of sample on the 200 mm diameter sieves should be
as follows:
IS Sieve Designation Maximum mass of sample (g)
600 micron 160
200 micron 55
75 micron 25
Note 3. If the soil contains greater amount of fines (finer than 75 micron size), the dried soil fraction
passing through 4.75 mm sieve (step 6) should be soaked in water containing two grams of sodium
hexameta phosphate (or one gram of sodium hydroxide and one gram of sodium carbonate) per litre of
water. The soaked specimen should then be washed thoroughly over the nest of sieves specified in step
6.
Test Procedure
1. Take about 18 Kg of air dried sample for 1000 cc mould (40 Kg for 2250 cc mould) .
Sieve the soil through 20mm and 4.75mm IS Sieves and calculate the ratio of fraction
passing 20mm IS Sieve and retained on 4.75mm IS Sieve. Use 100mm dia mould if
percentage retained on 4.75mm sieve is less than 20, and 150mm dia if soil percentage
retained on 4.75mm sieve is more than 20. Discard the soil retained on 20mm sieve.
Add enough water to bring its water content to about 7 per cent (sandy soils) or 10 percent
(clayey soils) less than the estimated optimum moisture content. Keep this soil in an air tight
container for about 20 hours, for maturing.
80
2. Clean the mould and fix it to the base. Take the empty mass of the mould and the base,
nearest to 1 g.
3. Attach the collar to the mould. The inside of the mould may be greased thoroughly.
4. Mix the matured soil thoroughly. Take out about 2 ½ kg of the soil and compact it in the
mould in three equal layers, each layer being given 25 blows from the rammer weighing 2.6 kg
dropping from a height of 310 mm, if 1000 ml mould is used. If however, the 2250 ml mould is
used, about 5 kg of soil should be taken and should be compacted in three equal layers, each
layer being given 56 blows from the rammer weighing 2.6 kg dropping from a height of 310 mm.
The blows should be uniformly distributed over the surface of each layer. Each layer of
compacted soil should be scored with a spatula before putting the soil for the succeeding layer.
The amount of soil used should be just sufficient to fill the mould leaving about 5 mm to be
struck off when collar is removed. Find the penetration resistance of compacted soil, using the
Proctor’s needle.
5. Remove the collar, and cut the excess soil with the help of a straight edge. Clean the mould
from outside, and weigh it to the nearest gram. Eject out the soil from the mould, cut it in the
middle and keep a representative soil specimen for water content determination.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for about five or six times, using a fresh part of the soil specimen and
after adding a higher water content than the proceeding specimen.
Fig.a Fig.b
Determination No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
(a) Density
6607 6644 6723 6795 6837 6842 6829
Mass of mould + compacted soil (g)
Mass of mould (g) 4944 4944 4944 4944 4944 4944 4944
Mass of compacted soil (g) 1663 1720 1779 1851 1893 1898 1885
Bulk density (γ) g/cm3 1.76 1.82 1.88 1.96 2.00 2.01 1.99
3
Dry density (γd) g/cm 1.55 1.57 1.58 1.64 1.63 1.62 1.58
81
(b) Water content Container No. 23 94 8 9 159 71 10
Mass of container + wet soil (g) 45.3 59.9 38.8 52.2 46.8 45.6 44.9
Mass of Container + dry soil (g) 42.5 54.7 36.2 47.4 42.2 41.3 40.2
Mass of water (g) 2.8 5.2 2.6 4.8 4.4 4.3 4.7
Mass of container (g) 22.5 22.9 22.5 22.6 23.1 22.9 22.5
Mass of dry soil (g) 20.0 31.8 13.7 24.8 19.3 18.4 17.7
Water content (w) (%) 13.9 16.3 18.8 19.4 22.8 23.4 26.6
X. Determination of California Bearing Ratio Value As per IS: 2720 (Part-16) -1979
1. Concept and Significance
California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test originally developed by California Division of
Highways (U.S.A) is one of the most commonly used methods to evaluate the strength of
subgrade soil for design of pavement thickness. CBR value as defined by IS: 2720 (Part XVI)-
1979 is the ratio of the force per unit area required to penetrate a soil mass with a circular
plunger of 50 mm diameter at the rate of 1.25 mm/minute, to that required for corresponding
penetration of a standard material. Standard load is that load which has been obtained from
tests on a crushed stone whose CBR value is taken to be 100 per cent. The ratio is usually
determined for penetration of 2.5 mm and 5.0 mm. The results of this test cannot be related
accurately with fundamental properties of the material but are useful in design of flexible
pavements.
2. Objective
To determine the California Bearing Ratio of the subgrade soil.
3. Apparatus
The apparatus as per IS: 2720 (Part XVI) – 1979 comprises of the following:
(i) Mould. A metallic cylinder of 150 mm internal diameter and 175 mm
height; provided with a detachable metal extension collar 50 mm in height.
It also has a detachable perforated base plate of 10 mm thickness. The
perforations in the base plate do not exceed 1.5 mm in diameter.
(ii) Steel cutting collar, which can fit flush with the mould.
(iii) Spacer disc. A metal disc of 148 mm diameter and 47.7 mm in height.
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(iv) Surcharge weights: One annular metal weight and slotted weights each of
2.5 kg and 147 mm in diameter with a central hole 53 mm in diameter.
(v) Dial gauges. Two dial gauges reading to 0.01 mm.
(vi) IS sieves of sizes 47.5 mm and 20 mm.
(vii) Penetration plunger. A metallic plunger having a diameter of 50 mm and at
least 100 mm long.
(viii) Loading machine with a capacity of at least 5000 kg and equipped with a
platform that can move vertically at a rate of 1.25 mm/min.
(ix) Miscellaneous apparatus like mixing bowl, straight edge, scales, soaking
tank, drying oven, filter paper, dishes and calibrated measuring jar.
Procedure
Preparation of test specimen.
1 Preparation of Undisturbed Specimen
Fit to the mould, the steel cutting edge of 150 mm internal diameter. Push the mould into
the ground as gently as possible till the mould is full of soil. Remove the soil from sides and
bottom. Trim the excessive soil from top and bottom.
2 Preparation of Remoulded Specimen
Remoulded samples are prepared such that the dry density obtained from proctor
compaction tests, the water content of remoulded samples is either the optimum water content
or the field moisture as the case may be, the remoulded sample are compacted either statically
or dynamically. The test material should pass 20mm IS sieve and retained on 4.75mm IS sieve.
If coarser material is retained on 20mm sieve, it should be discarded and an equal amount of
material retained on 4.75mm sieve and passing through 20mm sieve should be replaced.
3 Statically Compacted Specimen
(i) Calculate the amount of soil required such that it fills the mould (excluding collar) at
the desired density after compaction.
(ii) Calculate the amount of water to be added to give desired water content.
(iii) Mix the soil thoroughly with water.
(iv) Fix the extension collar to the mould and clamp it to the base plate.
(v) Fix the mould with soil, gently pressing it with hands so that it does not spill out of
the mould.
(vi) Place a coarse filter paper over the leveled soil surface and then insert the space
disc.
(vii) Place the assembly on the pedestal of compression machine and compact the soil
until the top of the spacer disc is flush with the top of the collar.
4 Dynamically compacted specimen
(i) Sieve the material through 20 mm IS sieve
(ii) Take about 4.5 kg or more of representative sample for fine grained soils and about
5.5 kg for granular soils in a mixing pan.
(iii) Add water to the soil in the quantity such that the moisture content of the specimen is
either equal to field moisture content or OMC as desired.
(iv) Mix together the soil and water uniformly.
(v) Clamp the mould along with the extension collar to the base plate.
(vi) Place the coarse filter paper on the top of the spacer disc.
(vii) Pour soil-water mix in the mould in such a quantity that after compaction about 1/5 th
of the mould is filled
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(viii) Give 56 blows with the rammer weighing 2.6 kg dropping through 310 mm in three
layers (light compaction) or 4.89 kg dropping through 450 mm in 5 layers (heavy
compaction) evenly spread on the surface.
(ix) Scratch the top layer of compacted surface. Add more soil and compact in similar
fashion. Fill the mould completely in five layers.
(x) Remove the extension collar and trim off the excess soil by a straight edge
(xi) Remove the base plate, spacer disc and the filter paper and note down the weight of
mould and compacted specimen.
(xii) Place a coarse filter paper on the perforated base plate.
(xiii) Invert the mould containing compacted soil and clamp it to the base plate.
84
Table : Standard Load for Different Penetration Values
Penetration Unit standard Total standard
mm load kg (f)/cm2 kg(f)
2.5 70 1370
5.0 105 2055
7.5 134 2630
10.0 162 3180
12.5 183 3600
Note: The test must always be performed on remoulded sample of soils in the laboratory. Where ever
possible the test specimen should be prepared by Static Compaction but if not possible Dynamic method
may be used as an alternative. In-Situ tests are not recommended for design purpose as it is not possible
to satisfactorily simulate the critical conditions of dry density and moisture content in the field.
1. bring the sample to an air dry condition either by drying at room temperature or in oven at a
temperature of 100°C to 110°C. Take the weight of the sample.
2. Clean all the sieves and sieve the sample successively on the appropriate sieve starting
with the largest.
4. On completion of sieving note down the weight of material retained on each sieve.
5. Report the results as cumulative percentage by weight of sample passing each of the
sieves. (Form SB - 1)
85
XII. Determination of Specific Gravity and
Water Absorption of Aggregate
1. Wash a sample of aggregate of not less than 2000 gm to remove dust. Drain and place
the sample in the density basket.
2. Immerse the basket in water at a temperature of 22°C to 32°C with at least 5cm cover of
water above the top of the basket.
3. Immediately after immersion, remove the entrapped air from sample by lifting the basket
25mm above the base of the tank and allow it to drop 25 times, at the rate of one drop per
second.
4. Keep the basket and aggregates completely immersed in water for 24 ± `/~ hours. then
weigh in water at temperature of 22°C to 32°C (W1).
5. Remove the basket and aggregates from water and allow to drain for few minutes.
6. Empty the aggregates from basket and return the empty basket into water.
8. Gently dry the surface of the aggregate by wiping with cloth. Spread the aggregates.
expose to atmosphere but away from direct sunlight till they appear dry.
86
9. Take the weight of surface dry aggregates (W3).
10. Place the aggregates in oven at a temperature of 100°C to 110°C for 24 ± 1/2 hours.
11. Remove the aggregates in oven, cool in air and weigh (W4).
12. W4
i) Sp. Gravity = ----------------------
W3 - (W1 – W2)
W4
ii) Apparent Sp. Gravity = ----------------------
W3 - (W1 – W2)
W3 – W 4
iii) Water absorption (Percent of dry weight) = ---------------- X 100
W4
Test No.
Observations Average
1 2 3
Wt. of saturated aggregate and basket in water (W1) gm
Wt. of basket in water (W2) gm
Wt. of saturated surface dry aggregate in air (W3) gm
Wt. of oven dried aggregate in air (W4) gm
Specific gravity = W4 / W3 - (W3 – W4)
Apparent Specific gravity = W4 / W4 - (W1 – W2)
Water absorption = (W3 – W4) x 100 / W4 (%)
Mean value of Specific gravity =
Mean value of apparent specific gravity =
Mean value of Water absorption =
87
3. Take the required quantity of the aggregate sample in the container and place it
loosely inside the container.
4. Close the container and determine its weight (W2)
5. Keep the container with the lid removed in an oven maintained at a temperature
of 110°C ± 5°C for 24 hours.
6. After drying. remove the container and allow it to cool to room temperature.
7. Determine weight of the dry sample with lid (W3)
8. Calculate the water content in percentage using the formula.
W2 – W3
W = ---------------- X 100
W2 – W3
9. Report the results in Form SB - 3.
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Average Moisture Content (%)
XIV. Determination of Flakiness Index and Elongation Index Values
Procedure
1. The sample has to be carefully and properly sieved.
2. Nine fractions are to be collected with the following specifications:
88
20 mm 16 mm
16 mm 12.5 mm
12.5 mm 10 mm
10 mm 6.3 mm
3. Every Piece of each fractional sieve shall be gauged for a minimum thickness with the
help of the ISI gauge or in bulk using a set of sieves having standard elongated slots.
4. Thus, each fraction is to be separated into 2 parts: One consisting of pieces which pass
through the corresponding slot in the standard gauge and the other consisting of pieces
which do not pass through the corresponding slot in the standard gauge.
5. Each part is separately weighed. Sum of both the weights gives the total weight of each
fraction.
Flakiness Index
ELONGATION INDEX: Elongation Index is weight of elongated particles divided by total non-
flaky Particles.
The gauge length would be 1.8 times the mean size of aggregate. For an aggregate
passing through 50mm sieve but retained on 40mm sieve, the mean size is 45mm and limit for
the length of 45, works out to be 1.8 x 45 = 81mm.
Elongation I n d e x
Wt. of Allowable
Weight of
Length Fraction Percentage
S.No Non-flaky
Guage Retained Length gauge in
material
on gms
1. 3647 63.0 - 50.0 126
2. 10603 50.0 - 40.0 273
3. 19539 40.0 - 25.0 676
Total 33789 1075
89
The Flakiness Index shall be less than 15% for coarse aggregates for road works (Clause.1007
of MOST Specification.)
The Flakiness Index shall be less than 35% for coarse aggregates for concrete works
(Clause.1007 of MOST Specification.)
The Flakiness Index shall be less than 25% for stone chipping.
The Combined Flakiness and Elongation Indices shall be less than 30% for combined mix
aggregates (bituminous works)
2. Objective
To determine the impact value of the road aggregate
3. Apparatus
1. Testing Machine
2. Cylindrical steel cup
3. Metal Hammer
4. Tamping rod
5. Balance.
4. Procedure
The test sample consists of
Aggregate size 10.0mm to 12.5 mm .The
aggregates should be dried by heating at
100-110° C for a period of 4 hours and
cooled.
90
5. Strike off the surplus aggregates.
6. Determine the net weight of the aggregates to the nearest gram (W1).
7. Raise the hammer until its lower face is 380mm above the surface of the 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.
8. Remove the crushed aggregate from the cup and sieve it through 2.36mm IS sieve until no
further significant amount passes in one minute. Weigh the fraction passing the sieve to an
accuracy of one gram (W2). Also weigh the fraction retained on the sieve.
9. Note down the observations in the pro-forma and compute the aggregate impact value.
10. The mean of two observations, rounded to the nearest whole number is reported as the
aggregate Impact value.
5. Precautions.
1. In the operation of sieving the aggregates through 2.36mm sieve the sum of weights
of fractions retained and passing the sieve should not differ from the original weight
of the specimen by more than one gram.
IRC has recommended the following AI values for different types of road construction
91
Tests on Bituminous Material
XVI. Determination of Penetration Value of Bitumen (Specification No.136 of APSS)
3. Apparatus.
1. Container: A flat-bottomed cylindrical metallic dish 55mm in diameter and 35mm in depth
is required. If the penetration is of the order of 225mm or deeper dish of 70mm and 45mm
depth is required.
2. Needle: A straight highly polished, cylindrical hard steel rod, as per dimensions given in
fig.
3. Water bath: A water bath maintained at 25.0 + 0.1° C containing not less than 10 Lt. of
water, the sample being immersed to a depth not less than 100mm from the top and
supported perforated shelf not less than 50mm from the bottom of the bath.
4. Penetration Apparatus: It should be with a calibrated accuracy upto 1/10th of a millimeter.
5. Thermometer: 0 to 44 degrees and readable up to 0.20° C.
4. Procedure
1. Preparation of test specimen: Soften the material to a pouring consistency at a
temperature not more than 60° C for Tars and 90° C for Bitumen. Stir it thoroughly until
it is homogeneous and free from air bubbles and water. Pour the melt into the
container to a depth at least 10 mm in excess of the expected penetration and allow it
92
to cool to room temperature. Then place it along with the transfer dish in the water
bath at 25.0°C + 0.1 and allow it to remain for 1 to 1 ½ hour.
2. Clean the needle with Benzene, dry it and load with the weight. The total moving load
requires is100+0.25gms, including the weight of the needle carrier and super-imposed
weights.
3. Adjust the needle to make contact with the surface of the sample.
4. Make the pointer of the dial to read zero or note the initial dial reading.
5. Release the needle for exactly five seconds.
6. Adjust the penetration machine to measure the distance penetrated.
7. Make at least 3 readings at points on the surface of the sample not less than 10mm
apart and not less than10mm from the side of the dish. (After each test return the
sample and transfer dish to the water bath and wash the needle clean with benzene
and dry it).
5. Precautions
1. There should be no movement of the container while needle is penetrating into the
sample.
2. The sample should be free from any extraneous matter.
3. The needle should be cleaned with benzene and dried before each penetration.
S 35 30 – 40
S 45 40 – 50
S 65 60 – 70
S 90 80 – 100
S 200 175 – 225
93
XVII. Determination of Open Flash Point and Fire Point of Bitumen
1. Concept and Significance
The flash point of a material is the lowest temperature at which the application of test flame
causes the vapours from the material momentarily catch fire in the form of a flash under
specified conditions of test.
The fire point is the lowest temperature at which the application of test flame causes the
material to ignite and burn at least for 5 seconds under specified conditions of test.
2. Objective
To determine flash point and fire point of the bituminous material.
3. Apparatus
1. Cup:- A handle is attached to the flange of the cup.
2. Stove.
3. Thermometer: which is having a range of 90° C to 370° C readable to 2° C.
4. Procedure.
1. Clean and dry all parts of the cup and its accessories thoroughly.
2. Fill the cup with the material to be tested up to the level indicated by the filling mark.
3. Insert the thermometer.
4. Light and adjust the test flame and apply heat such that the temperature rises at a rate
of 5 – 6° C per minute.
5. Note the temperature at which a flash first appears at any point on the surface of the
material.
6. Continue heating until the bitumen ignites and burns for 5 minutes. Record this
temperature as fire point.
Ex:
Test
Property Mean
1 2 3
Note: Paving bitumen shall not be heated beyond the flash point. For paving bitumen of all the
five grades (i.e, S.35 to S.200) the flash point is 175°C.
94
6. Place the balls on the rings.
7. Raise the temperature uniformly at 5°C per minute till the ball passes, through the ring.
8. Note the temperature at which each of the ball and sample touches the bottom plate of the
support.
9. Temperature shall be recorded as the softening point of the bitumen. [Form Bl-1(C)]
Softening Point of Bitumen
1 Grade of bitumen
95
3 Test temperature, oC
4 Period of air cooling, (minutes)
4.1 In Air
4.2 In water bath before trimming
4.3 In water bath after trimming
Briquette number
Test Property Mean Value
(a) (b) (c)
Ductivity value (cm)
I. Cut the cotton pads to a size of 203 x 102 mm. making sure that. each pad is as uniform
in size as possible.
2. Attach the cut cotton pads to heavy wrapping paper using suitable adhesive, the amount
of adhesive applied, being the same on each pad. Leave sufficient area of wrapping
paper on the four sides uncovered.
3. Number the pads on the underside of the paper.
4. Attach pieces of masking tape to the wrapping paper and tape, to the nearest 0.1 gm.
5. Weigh the cotton pads complete with wrapping paper and tape, to the nearest 0.1 gm.
6. Attach the pads to the metal sheets. Fold the uncovered paper under the metal sheet and
secure with tape. such that no uncovered paper is exposed.
7. Place the metal sheets with test pads. on the road way at such locations, that the tyres of
the distributor will not run over the pads.
8. As soon as the bitumen distributor has passed. Remove the metal sheet and test pad
from the pavement. Remove the absorbent pads and wrapping paper. Including masking
tape from metal sheet,
9. Weigh each pad. Including wrapping paper and masking tape to nearest 0.1g.
96
XXII Determination of Bitumen Content by Centrifuge Extractor
97
4. Procedure
a) Percentage basis (for SDBC, DBM, BM etc.,)
1 Weigh about 500 gm sample of asphalt mix and record the same.
2. Place the sample in the bowl and cover the sample (i.e. immersed with Benzene)
and allow it to soak for one day.
3. Next day cut the filter paper to size, weigh it and place it in position. Pour the
Benzene soaked mixes in the centrifuge and fix it.
4. Place a beaker under the outlet.
5. Rotate the centrifuge gradually to increase the speed to 3600 rpm. Rotate until the
solvent ceases to flow from the outlet.
6. Repeat the procedure, till the solvent coming out of outlet is same that of Benzene
without any sediments or colour.
7. Remove the filter, dry it in air, and brush the loose particles into the centrifuge.
8. Dry the filter and contents in the centrifuge in an oven to 98° to 105° C.
9. Obtain the weight of filter and dry aggregates separately.
Record of observations:
Wt. of sample = w1 g
Initial wt. of filter paper = w2 g
Final wt. of filter Paper = w3 g
Wt.of retained fines(filter paper) = (w3-w2) g
Wt. of aggregates after BT.Extraction = w4 g
Total Wt. of aggregates + fines = (w3-w2) + w4 g
Wt. of bitumen (Wb) = w1- ((w3-w2) + w4) g
98
Bitumen content % = Wb/w1 x 100
99
Examples of Bitumen extraction test Results
BTSD+S 23.80
1. 1.756 1001 4.82 6.22 1.40 946 947.40 53.60 20 53.60 23.82
C Kgs/10m2
19.00
2. 0.064 MSS 1048 4.35 5.27 0.92 1000 1000.92 47.07 22 42.79 19.02
Kgs/10m2
3. 4.075 SDBC 838 4.61 5.99 1.38 801 802.38 35.62 - - 4.25 4.50+0.3%
4. 4.075 B.M 680 4.67 5.91 1.24 657 658.24 21.76 - - 3.20 3.25+0.3%
100
XXIII. Determination of Stripping Value of Road Aggregate
5. Precautions:
1. The aggregates should be thoroughly dried before mixing with binder.
2. Distilled water should be used for the test.
3. Mix-up of the two separate samples should be uniform.
7. Interpretation of results:
The results of the stripping test give an indication regarding susceptibility of aggregates to
the action of water, or moisture. The more the stripping value, the poorer are the aggregates
from point of view of adhesion. APSS Table: 1508-8 has specified the maximum stripping value
of 25 % for aggregates to be used in bituminous road construction. MOST Tables 500.8 has
specified minimum retained coating 95%.
100
XXIV. Determination of Marshall Stability Value
101
2. Specimen extractor for extracting the compacted specimen from the mould. A suitable
bar is required to transfer load from the extension collar to the upper proving ring
attachment while extracting the specimen.
3. Water bath with thermostatic control.
4. Thermometers of range up to 200° C with sensitivity of 2.5° C and
5. Miscellaneous equipment like containers, mixing and handling tools etc.
5.Test Procedure
1. The aggregates are tested and their apparent specific gravites, Aggregates Impact
values and Flakiness and Elongation Index water absorption values are recorded.
2. Bitumen 80/100 grade is tested for its grade, from penetration test. A 80/100 grade
bitumen indicates that its penetration value lies between 80 and 100.
3. Take approximately 4 Kg of each aggregate and conduct gradation test individually.
4. Normally the weight of sample to be prepared is about 1200 gm in practice. So in a
sample of 1200 gm weight, the weight of mix aggregate and bitumen will be 1152 and 48
gm, for a bitumen content of 4 %.
5. Conduct mix gradation trials in various proportions, till MOST table 500-20 & 500-22
Satisfied.
6. With the attained suitable mix gradation of aggregate, take mix gradation of aggregate
sample as detailed below for different binder contents (1200gm - W1).
102
7. At least three specimens for each combination of aggregates and bitumen should be
prepared.
8. After preparation of the specimen it has to be weighed first in air and then in water.
9. The differences of the weight are the volume of the specimen (or) take the thickness of
the specimen on four sides and take the average and calculate the volume of the
specimen.
10. The specimen is then immersed in hot water bath at a testing temperature of 60° C for
30minutes.
11. The specimen is then removed, fixed in the breaking head assembly and mounted on
the testing machine.
12. Place the flow meter over one of the posts and adjust it to read zero. And also the dial
gauge in proving ring is set to read zero.
13. The machine is set to operation by applying load, until the maximum load reading is
obtained.
14. Record the maximum load reading. At the same instant, obtain the flow meter reading.
Reverse the machine and remove the specimen tested.
15. Care must be taken to ensure that the elapsed time from the water bath to the maximum
load determination should not generally exceed 30 seconds.
16. The stability values obtained above are correlated if the height of specimen tested is
other than 63.50 mm or by its volume using correlation factors as shown below.
103
Example: Semi-Dense Bituminous Concrete 25mm thick (MOST: 511)
1) Individual sieve analysis of aggregates:
i)Sample :-11.2 mm Table 500-20 (Grading-I)
Sieve size Wt.Retained(g Wt. of Passing(g) % Wt.of
) Passing
13.2 mm Nil 4760 100.00
11.20 mm 1490 3270 68.70
5.60 mm 2110 1160 24.37
2.80 mm 435 725 15.23
710 Micron 725 - -
355 Micron - - -
180 Micron - - -
90 Micron - - -
Total Weight. 4760 -
ii) Sample :-6.70 mm
Sieve size Wt.Retained(g Wt. of Passing(g) % Wt.of
) Passing
13.2mm Nil 4350 100.00
11.20 mm 70 4280 98.39
5.60 mm 2400 1880 43.22
2.80 mm 1115 765 17.59
710 Micron 560 205 4.72
355 Micron 90 115 2.64
180 Micron 82 33 0.76
90 Micron 25 8 0.18
(-)90 8 - -
Total Weight. 4350 - -
104
180 Micron 42 57 4.97 5-13
90 Micron 27 30 2.62 3-9
(-)90 30 - - -
Total 1146 - - -
Weight.
Trail No:2. Specimen Wt. =1200 g 11.2 mm (20%) = 229 g
Bitumen Wt = 54 g 6.70 mm (50%) = 573 g
---------- 2.80stone dust (30%) = 344 g
Wt. of aggregate 1146 g Total 1146 g
3. Specific gravity:-
Sample Size
S.No. Details
11.20 mm 6.7mm 2.8mmStone Dust
1. Wt. of Jar (w1) 168 gm 168 gm 168 g
2. Wt. of Jar + Sample (w2) 731 gm 709 gm 435 g
Wt. of Jar + Sample +
3. 1022 gm 1006 gm 838 g
Water (w3)
4. Wt. of Jar + Water (w4) 664 gm 664 gm 664 g
(w1-w2)
Specific Gravity :- ------------------------- = 2.746 2.718 2.871
(w4-w1)- (w3-w2)
100
Gt = ----------------------------------------
W1 W2 W3 W4
------ + ------ + ------ + -------
g1 g2 g3 g4
Where
W1 = % by weight of coarse aggregate (11.2 mm)
w2 = % by weight of fine aggregate (6.7 mm)
w3 = % by weight of fines (dust)
w4 = % by weight of bitumen in total mix
105
g3 = Apparent specific gravity of fines (dust)
g4 = Density of bitumen
Wt.of
Size %of Sample Sp.Gravity Sp.GR. of Mix(GT)
Sample (gm)
11.20 mm 20 229 2.746
100
6.70 mm 50 573 2.718 ---------------------------------------
20 50 30 4.50
2.80 mm 30 344 2.871 ----- + ------ + ------- + -------
2.746 2.718 2.871 0.98
B.T 4.50 54 0.98
=2.456
Date Vol. of
Height
of Sp.G Binder Wt.of Bulk Bitumen Vb =
Trail of
Castin r of Conte Specime Density Gbxw4
No Specim
g/Testi mix nt % n ‘gms’ Gb G4
en ‘cm’
ng
1. 11-06-01 2.456 4.50 6.38 1183 2.360 10.84
AVG 2.363
Tests On Sand.
I. Determination of Bulkage of Sand (APSS 110).
Object:- This test covers the procedure of determining in the field, the amount surface moisture
106
or Bulking in fine aggregates by displacement in water.
Bulking of sand:- Increase in bulk volume of a quantity of sand in moist condition over the
volume of the same quantity of sand when completely inundated.
Procedure: In a 250ml measuring cylinder pour the damp sand (consolidating by shaking) until
it reaches 200ml mark. Then fill the cylinder with water and stir the sand well.(The
water shall be sufficient to submerge the sand fully). It will be seen the sand
surface is now below its original level. Suppose the surface is at the mark y ml, the
percentage of bulking of the sand shall be calculated from the following formula;
Bulking % = 100(200-y)/y
Note: The percentage of bulking of sand shall be rounded off to the nearest whole number.
Therefore the volume of sand used shall be more than the quoted volume by above % in the
specification.
II. Determination Of Silt Content (APSS 110).
An empirical factor obtained by adding total percentages of a sample of the aggregates retained
on each of the following series of sieves divided by 100.
The sieves used are 150,300,600 Microns, 1.18, 2.36, 4.75, 10.0, 20.0, 40.0 mm and
larger increasing in the ratio of 2 to 1.
Ex:
Sl. Sieve Weight Cum. Wt. Cum Wt. Cum Wt. Passing
No Designation Retained(g) Retained(g) Retained In % In %
1 10mm - - - 100
2 4.75mm 1 1 0.02 99.98
3 2.36mm 45 46 1.06 98.94
4 1.18mm 583 629 14.49 85.51
5 600µ 1935 2564 59.05 40.95
6 300µ 1407 3971 91.45 8.55
7 150µ 334 4305 99.14 0.86
8 (-)150µ 37 4342 - -
TOTAL 265.21
107
100
Allowable Limits: 2.00 to 3.50 %
TESTS ON BRICKS
First Class Bricks: The tolerance on the specified dimensions shall not exceed + 3%
Second Class Bricks: The tolerance on the specified dimensions shall not exceed + 8%
Physical Characteristics: When tested in accordance with IS: 3495 – 1966 the Bricks shall
conform to the requirements as follows:
Sl. No Characteristics Requirements
1. Compressive strength Not less than 40 Kg/Cm2
Absorption after 24 hr immersion
2. Not more than 20% by wt.
in cold water
3. Efflorescence Not more than ‘moderate’
108
(Cm) (g) (g) water (g) Absorption
1. 23x11x7 2047 2431 384 18.76
2. 23x11x7 2236 2643 407 18.20
3. 23x11x7 1974 2310 336 17.02
Average = 17.99 %
Note: Water absorption of Bricks after 24hr. immersion shall not be more than 20% by weight.
109