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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).
67
Table I Quantity of Soil Sample Required for Conducting the Tests.
(Clauses 3.2, 3.3 & 4.1)
Type Amount of soil Degree of
S. Refer to part
TEST Temperature and sample required Pulverization
NO of IS 2720.
duration of drying. for test. (IS Sieve size)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
i Water content Oven. 24 h As given in table 2 -- Part 2
50 g for fine
grained soils part 3/section
o
Oven. 105 to 110 C 400g for fine, 1
ii Specific Gravity 2 mm
24 h medium and part 3/section
coarse grained 2
soils
Grain size
iii Air Drying As given in table 3 -- part 4
analysis
iv Liquid Limit do 270g 425 micron part 5
v Plastic Limit do 60g do Do
Shrinkage
vi Air Drying 100g 425 micron part 6
Factors
Compaction
a) Light 6 kg(15 kg if soil is 19 mm
do part 7
Compaction susceptible to
vii b)Heavy crushing)
do 19 mm part 8
Compaction do
c)Constant
Mass do 4.75 mm part 9
2 kg
Un-confined
o o
viii compressive Oven 110 C ± 5 C 1 kg -- part 10
strength.
Triaxial
ix compression Do 1 kg / 5 kg -- part 11
(Unconsolidated)
Triaxial
x compression do do -- part 12
(Consolidated)
Air Drying/Oven
xi Direct Shear o o 1 kg 4.75 mm part 13
110 ± 5 C
As per size of
particle given
below
Density Index 0
Oven, 105 to110 C 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
68
0 2.5 kg (100 mm
Oven, 105 to110 C
xv Permeability dia) / 5 kg (200 9.5 mm part 17
24 h
mm dia)
Field Moisture
xvi Air Drying 15 g 425 microns part 18
equivalent
Centrifuge
xvii moisture Do 10 g do part 19
equivalent
Linear
xviii Do 450 g do part 20
Shrinkage
Chemical Tests
a)Total Soluble
Solids
0
Oven, 105 to110 C 2 mm part 21
b)Organic 10 g
24 h
Matter
Air Drying do part 22
c)Calcium 100 g
Carbonate 0
Oven, 105 to110 C
5g --
24 h part 23
d) Cat ion
xix
exchange
do
capacity 80-130 g -- part 24
do
e)silica 15 g
--- part 25
Sesquioxide
do
ratio 30 g
425 microns part 26
f)pH value do
30 g
-- part 27
g)Total soluble
Sulphates
Air Drying/Oven
xx Vane Shear o o 250 g -- part 30
110 ± 5 C
Negative Pore
xxi Do 1 kg / 5 kg -- part 35
Water Pressure
sand equivalent o o
xxiii 110 C ± 5 C 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
69
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.
70
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
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
71
Summary of Results
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 W L = liquid limit of the soil,
W c = moisture content of soil paste corresponding to penetration of D
and D = depth penetration of cone obtained in mm.
72
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
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. Location Penetration Cup Wt. of Wt. Of H2O Wt. of Wt. of Moisture WL =W N ÷
No. in mm (n) No. Empty Dry (5 - 6 = 7) Empty dry Soil Content 0.77 log D
Cup + Soil + cup (6 –8 =9) Wn(%) (7/9
Wet Soil Cup x 100) (11)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)
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
74
V. Plasticity Index
Calculation : The plasticity index is calculated as the difference between its liquid limit and
plastic limit.
Plasticity index (I p) = liquid limit (W L) – plastic limit (Wp).
Report : The difference calculated as indicated in 7.1 shall be reported as the plasticity index,
except under the following conditions:
a) In the case of sandy soils plastic limit should be determined first. When plastic limit
cannot be determined, the plasticity index should be reported as Np (non-plastic).
b) When the plastic limit is equal to or greater than the liquid limit, the plasticity index shall
be reported as zero.
Plasticity Index (PI): For above samples: 1). PI = 32 – 17 = 15
2). PI = 30 – 15 = 15
3). PI = 71 – 36 = 35
4). PI = 43 – 22 = 21
VI Determination of Free Swell Index of Soils
IS: 2720 (Part 40): 1977
75
Precautions
1) Pour the soil specimen in both the graduated glass cylinder gently, so that no soil particle
remains stuck to the wall of the cylinder.
2) Sufficient time should be given to both the soil specimen to attain the final equilibrium
position of volume without any future change in the soil volumes. This may take 24 hours or
more.
3) For highly swelling soils, the weight of soil specimen may be taken as 5g or cylinders of
250ml. capacity may be used.
A relation between differential free swell (%) and degree of expansiveness of soil is given
below:
76
(B) Determination of bulk density of sand
4. Determine the volume (V) of the calibrating container by filling it with water full to the brim
and finding the mass of water. This volume should be checked by calculating it from the
measured internal dimensions of the container.
5. Place the sand-pouring cylinder concentrically on the top of the calibrating container, after
being filled to constant mass (M1 ). Open the shutter and permit the sand to run into the
container. When no further movement of sand is seen, close the shutter. Remove the
pouring cylinder and find its mass (M3) to nearest gram.
6. Repeat step (5) at least thrice and find the mean mass M3. Put the sand into the sand-
pouring cylinder.
(C) Determination of dry density of soil in-place
7. Expose about 45 cm square area of the soil to be tested and trim it down to level surface.
Keep the tray on the level surface and excavate a circular hole of approximately 10 cm
diameter and 15 cm deep and collect all the excavated soil in the tray. Find the mass (M) of
the excavated soil.
8. Remove the tray, and place the sand-pouring cylinder, so that the base of the cylinder
concentrically covers the hole. The cylinder should have its constant mass M1. open the
shutter and permit the sand to run into the hole. Close the shutter when no further
movement of the sand is seen. Remove the cylinder and determine its mass (M4).
Keep a representative sample of the excavated soil for water content determination.
77
VIII. Determination of Grain Size Distribution by Sieving
Object and scope. The object of this experiment is to determine grain-size distribution
of coarse grained soil by sieving. The test covers both coarse sieve analysis (for gravel fraction)
as well as fine sieve analysis (for sand fraction).
Material and equipment. (i) Balances accurate to 1 g and 0.1 g. (ii) Set of IS sieves:
100 mm, 63 mm, 10 mm, 4.75 mm, 2 mm, 1 mm, 600 micron, 425 micron, 300 micron, 212
micron, 150 micron and 75 micron size, (iii) Thermostatically controlled oven, (iv) Two or more
large metal or plastic water tight trays, (v) Sieve brushes and a wire brush (vi) Mortar with a
rubber covered pestle, (vii) Mechanical sieve-shaker and (viii) Riffler.
Test Procedure
1. Using a riffler, take a representative sample of soil received from the field and dry it in the oven.
2. Weigh the required quantity of dried soil, keep it in a tray and soak it with water. Depending
on the maximum size of material present in substantial quantities in the soil, the mass of
soil sample taken for analysis may be as follows [IS: 2720 (Part IV)-1965].
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
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.
78
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
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.
79
IX. Determination of Compaction Properties
Object and scope. The object of the experiment is to determine the relationship between water
content and dry density of soil using Standard Proctor Test (light compaction) or Modified
Proctor Test (heavy compaction), and then to determine the optimum water content and the
corresponding maximum dry density for a soil. The test also covers the determination of
relationship between penetration resistance and water content for the compacted soil.
(a) Light Compaction (Standard Proctor Test)
Materials and Equipment. (i) Cylindrical metal mould of capacity 1000cc, with an internal
diameter of 100±0.1 mm and an internal effective height of 127.3±0.1 mm, or mould of capacity
2250 cc, with an internal diameter 150±0.1 mm and an internal effective height of 127.3±0.1
mm, each mould fitted with a detachable base and a removable extension (collar)
approximately 60 mm high (ii) Metal rammer, 50 mm diameter circular face, weighing 2.6 kg
and having drop of 310 mm (iii) Steel straight edge (iv) 20 mm and 4.75 mm IS sieves (v)
Balances, 10 kg capacity sensitive to 1 g, and 200 capacity sensitive to 0.01 g (vi)
Thermostatically controlled oven (105 – 1100C) (vii) Water content containers (viii) Mixing
equipment, such as mixing pan, spoon, trowel spatula etc. (ix) Measuring cylinder of glass, 100
ml capacity (x) Sample extruder (optional).
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.
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.
80
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
3
Bulk density (γ) g/cm 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
(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
81
(b) Heavy Compaction (Modified Proctor’s Tests)
The equipment required for the heavy compaction test is the same as that required for the light
compaction except that the rammer has a falling mass of 4.89 kg and has a drop of 45 cm. The
soil is compacted in five equal layers, instead, of three. Each layer is given 25 blows of the
rammer if the 1000ml mould is used, and 56 blows if 2250cc mould is used.
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.
(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.
82
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 1/5th of
the mould is filled
(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.
83
6. CBR Test on Soaked Specimen
To perform CBR test on soaked specimen, the sample excluding base plate and spacer
disc is weighed. A filter paper is placed on the sample with a perforated plate on it. Over it a
surcharge weight 2.5 or 5 kg is placed and the sample is soaked in water tank for 4 days. The
sample is then allowed to drain off water in a vertical position for about 15 minutes. The sample
is weighed again to calculate the percentage of water absorbed. It is then tested following the
normal procedure.
7 Computation of Test Results
(i) Plot the load penetration curve with the load as ordinate and penetration as abscissa.
Sometimes the initial portion of the curve is concave upwards due to surface irregularities.
In such a case apply a correction. Draw tangent at the point of greatest slope. The point
where this tangent meets the abscissa is the corrected zero reading of penetration.
(ii) From the curve, determine the load value corresponding to the penetration value at which
the CBR is desired.
(iii) Compute CBR value as follows:
Test load corresponding to chosen penetration (PT)
CBR value = x 100
Standard load for the same penetration (PS)
Usually the CBR value is calculated for 2.5 mm and 5 mm penetration. Generally the
CBR value at 2.5 mm penetration will be greater than that at 5 mm and in such a case the
former is taken for design purposes. If the 5 mm value is greater the test is repeated, if the
same results follow, the CBR value corresponding to 5 mm penetration is adopted for design
purposes.
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
84
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 (W 1).
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.
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 = ----------------------
W 3 - (W 1 – W 2)
W4
ii) Apparent Sp. Gravity = ----------------------
W 3 - (W 1 – W 2)
W3 – W4
iii) Water absorption (Percent of dry weight) = ---------------- X 100
W4
86
Water Absorption of Aggregate
Test No.
Observations Average
1 2 3
Wt. of saturated aggregate and basket in water (W 1) gm
Wt. of basket in water (W 2) gm
Wt. of saturated surface dry aggregate in air (W 3) gm
Wt. of oven dried aggregate in air (W 4) gm
Specific gravity = W 4 / W 3 - (W 3 – W 4)
Apparent Specific gravity = W 4 / W 4 - (W 1 – W 2)
Water absorption = (W 3 – W 4) x 100 / W4 (%)
Mean value of Specific gravity =
Mean value of apparent specific gravity =
Mean value of Water absorption =
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Average Moisture Content (%)
87
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:
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
88
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
Weight of
Wt. of Fraction Allowable Percentage
S.No Non-flaky Length Guage
Retained on Length gauge in gms
material
1. 3647 63.0 - 50.0 126
2. 10603 50.0 - 40.0 273
3. 19539 40.0 - 25.0 676
Total 33789 1075
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
89
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.
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.
90
6. Record of Observations and Calculations.
Example:
IRC has recommended the following AI values for different types of road construction
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.
91
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 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.
92
6. Record of observations and calculations:
Example:
S 35 30 – 40
S 45 40 – 50
S 65 60 – 70
S 90 80 – 100
S 200 175 – 225
93
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.
1 Grade of bitumen
94
XIX. Determination of Ductility of Bitumen
1. The bitumen sample is melted to a temperature of 75°c to 100°c above the approximate
softening point until it is fluid.
2. It is strained through IS sieve 30, poured in the mould assembly and placed on a brass
plate, after a solution of glycerine and dextrin is applied at all surfaces of the mould
exposed to bitumen.
3. Thirty to forty minutes after the sample is poured into the moulds, the plate assembly
along with the sample is placed in water bath maintained at 27°C for 30 minutes.
4. The sample and mould assembly are removed from water bath and excess bitumen
material is cut off by leveling the surface using hot knife.
5. After trimming the specimen, the mould assembly containing sample is replaced in water
bath maintained at 27°c for 85 to 95 minutes.
6. The sides of the mould are then removed and the clips are carefully hooked on the
machine without causing any initial strain.
7. The pointer is set to read Zero.
8. The machine is started and the two clips are thus pulled apart horizontally.
9. While the test is in operation, it is checked whether the sample is immersed in water in
depth of at least 10mm.
10. The distance at which the bitumen thread breaks is recorded (in cm.) and reported as
ductility value. [Form BL-1(b)]
Ductility of Bitumen
1 Grade of bitumen
o
2 Pouring temperature, C
o
3 Test temperature, C
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
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.
97
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 (W b) = w1- ((w3-w2) + w4) g
Bitumen content % = W b/w1 x 100
98
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%
99
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 - -
Sieve size Wt.Retained (g) Wt.of Passing(g) %Wt.of Passing (g) Limits Remarks
13.2mm Nil 1146 100 100
11.20 mm 103 1043 91.01 88-100
5.60 mm 417 626 54.62 42-64
2.80 mm 236 390 34.03 22-38
710 Micron 192 198 17.28 11-24
355 Micron 99 99 8.64 7-18
180 Micron 42 57 4.97 5-13
90 Micron 27 30 2.62 3-9
(-)90 30 - - -
104
Total Weight. 1146 - - -
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
W 1 = % 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
Size %of Sample Wt.of Sample (gm) Sp.Gravity Sp.GR. of Mix(GT)
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
Density and voids determination for “SDBC” requirement as per MOST:511, Table No:500-21
AVG 2.363
% of voids in the mix Vv= % of voids in mineral aggt. % of voids in the Aggt. filled
(Gt-Gb) x 100 VMA= with Bitumen VFB =
Gb Vv+Vb Vb/VMAx 100
4.07 14.91 72.70
3.80 14.66 74.08
3.93 14.78 73.39
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
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.
106
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
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:
107
Sl. No Characteristics Requirements
2
1. Compressive strength Not less than 40 Kg/Cm
2. Absorption after 24 hr immersion in cold water Not more than 20% by wt.
3. Efflorescence Not more than ‘moderate’
108