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2 Material Laboratory Procedures

The document outlines various laboratory procedures for testing soil, aggregates, and bitumen, including the Proctor Test for optimal moisture content, Atterberg Limits for fine-grained soils, and the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test for subgrade strength. It also details aggregate testing methods such as Flakiness Index and Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV), as well as concrete mix design and bituminous mixture evaluations like the Marshall Stability Test. Additionally, it includes procedures for surface dressing and specific gravity tests, providing essential data for assessing material suitability in construction.

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9 views

2 Material Laboratory Procedures

The document outlines various laboratory procedures for testing soil, aggregates, and bitumen, including the Proctor Test for optimal moisture content, Atterberg Limits for fine-grained soils, and the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test for subgrade strength. It also details aggregate testing methods such as Flakiness Index and Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV), as well as concrete mix design and bituminous mixture evaluations like the Marshall Stability Test. Additionally, it includes procedures for surface dressing and specific gravity tests, providing essential data for assessing material suitability in construction.

Uploaded by

tonnylovian003
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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2.

2 Material Laboratory Procedures


TEST ON: SOIL, AGGREGATES AND BITUMEN
Proctor Test

The Proctor Test determines the optimal moisture content at which a soil type will achieve its
maximum dry density.

Procedure:

 Prepare the Sample: Obtain a representative soil sample and air-dry it.
 Sieve the Soil: Pass the soil through a 4.75 mm sieve to remove larger particles.
 Weigh the Soil: Record the weight of the empty mold and then fill the mold with the soil
in layers, compacting each layer with a standard rammer.
 Moisture Content: Determine the moisture content by adding water incrementally and
mixing thoroughly.
 Compaction: Compact the soil in three layers, each layer receiving 25 blows from the
rammer.
 Weigh and Measure: Weigh the mold with the compacted soil, then remove the soil and
measure its moisture content.
 Plot the Curve: Plot a curve of dry density versus moisture content to find the maximum
dry density and corresponding optimum moisture content.

Atterberg Limits

The Atterberg Limits test determines the critical water contents of fine-grained soils.

Procedure:

1. Liquid Limit (LL):


o Place a portion of soil in the liquid limit device.
o Use the grooving tool to make a groove in the soil.
o Drop the cup containing the soil from a standard height until the groove closes
over a specified distance.
o Record the number of blows and the corresponding moisture content.
o Repeat the process and plot a flow curve to determine the LL.
2. Plastic Limit (PL):
o Roll a portion of the soil into threads until they break at a diameter of 3 mm.
o Record the moisture content at this point as the PL.
3. Shrinkage Limit (SL):
o Measure the volume change of the soil as it dries to determine the SL.

California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Test

The CBR test evaluates the strength of subgrade soil and base materials by measuring the
resistance to penetration.

Procedure:

 Sample Preparation: Prepare a cylindrical specimen of soil at the desired density and
moisture content.
 Soaking: Soak the specimen in water for 4 days (if required).
 Penetration Test: Place the specimen in the CBR testing machine and penetrate it with a
standard piston at a uniform rate.
 Record Values: Record the force required to achieve specific penetrations (2.5 mm and 5
mm).
 Calculate CBR Value: Calculate the CBR value as a percentage of the standard load
values.

Aggregate Testing

Flakiness Index

The flakiness index measures the percentage of flaky particles in an aggregate sample.

Procedure:

1. Sieve Analysis: Pass the aggregate through a series of sieves to separate different sizes.
2. Flakiness Gauge: Use a flakiness gauge to measure the thickness of particles.
3. Calculate Index: Determine the mass of flaky particles and calculate the flakiness index
as a percentage of the total sample.

Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV)

The ACV test assesses the resistance of an aggregate to crushing under a gradually applied
compressive load.

Procedure:

1. Sample Preparation: Fill a cylindrical mold with the aggregate sample in three layers,
tamping each layer.
2. Apply Load: Apply a compressive load at a uniform rate until failure.
3. Calculate ACV: Determine the percentage of crushed material and calculate the ACV.
Concrete Mix Design

Concrete mix design involves determining the proportions of cement, water, sand, and
aggregates to achieve the desired properties.

Procedure:

1. Select Materials: Choose appropriate materials based on their properties and availability.
2. Mix Proportions: Calculate the mix proportions to achieve the desired strength and
workability.
3. Trial Mixes: Prepare trial mixes and adjust proportions based on test results.
4. Final Mix: Determine the final mix design and prepare a detailed report.

Marshall Stability Test

The Marshall Stability test evaluates the stability and flow of bituminous mixtures.

Procedure:

1. Sample Preparation: Prepare cylindrical specimens of the bituminous mixture.


2. Heating and Compaction: Heat the specimens to a specified temperature and compact
them using a standard compaction hammer.
3. Stability and Flow Measurement: Place the specimen in the Marshall stability testing
machine, apply a load, and measure the stability (maximum load) and flow
(deformation).

Dense Bituminous Macadam (DBM)

DBM is a type of flexible pavement with high stability and strength.

Procedure:

1. Mix Design: Design the bituminous mix to meet the specified requirements.
2. Preparation: Heat and mix the bitumen with aggregates.
3. Laying and Compaction: Lay the mix on the prepared base and compact it using rollers.

Surface Dressing

Surface dressing is a road maintenance technique that involves spraying bitumen and spreading
aggregates.

Procedure:

1. Preparation: Clean the road surface and repair any defects.


2. Spray Bitumen: Use a bitumen sprayer to evenly apply a layer of bitumen.
3. Spread Aggregates: Spread aggregates over the bitumen and compact them using rollers.
4. Curing: Allow the surface to cure and bond properly.

Specific Gravity (SG) Test:


- Aggregates were weighed dry, then submerged in water for 24 hours to reach saturation, and weighed
again.

- The specific gravity was calculated based on these measurements.

Grading and Flakiness Index (FI):


- The sample was graded using Norma sieves to determine the particle size distribution.

- We then conducted the FI test by passing the aggregates through slotted gauges to determine the
proportion of flaky particles

Specific Gravity and Absorption Test: (aggregates)


- Purpose:Determines the specific gravity and water absorption of aggregates.

- Procedure: Weighing a sample in air and in water to calculate specific gravity, and determining the
moisture absorbed by aggregate particles.

- Standard: ASTM C127, AASHTO T85.

Los Angeles Abrasion Test: (aggregates)


- Purpose: Measures the resistance of aggregates to abrasion and impact in a rotating steel drum.

- Procedure: Subjecting a sample of aggregate to abrasion, impact, and grading after specified
revolutions.

- Standard: ASTM C131, AASHTO T96.

testing aggregates for grading, FI, ACV, AIV, and SG. The samples were properly prepared and tested
according to standard procedures. The ACV result was 14.7%, and the silt content was 8.5%. These
results will be analyzed further to determine the suitability of the aggregates for construction purposes.

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