TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING LABORATORY

LAB MANUAL

Course : B. Tech
Semester : V

Branch : Civil Engineering

SARALA BIRALA UNIVERSITY, RANCHI

Established under the Sarala Birala University Act, 2017 (Jharkhand Act, 13, 2017)

Department of Civil Engineering

 INDEX

Sl. No. Name of the Experiment

To determine the Impact value of Aggregate.
1.

2. To determine the Loss angles abrasion value of Aggregate.

To determine the Crushing strength of Aggregate.

3.
To determine the Water absorption of Aggregate.
4.
To determine the Elongation index & Flakiness index of aggregate.
5.
To determine the Penetration value of bitumen.
6.
To determine the Softening point of Bitumen.
7.
To determine the Flash and Fire Point of bitumen.
8.
To determine the Ductility of Bitumen.
9.
To determine the Specific gravity of Aggregate.
10.
 EXPERIMENT NO. - 01

AIM: To determine the Impact value of Coarse Aggregate.

APPARATUS REQUIRED: An impact testing machine of the general form shown in Fig. and
complying with the following:

1) A cylindrical steel cup of internal dimensions: Diameter 102 mm, Depth 50 mm and not less
than 6.3 mm thick
2) A metal hammer weighing 13.5 to 14.0 kg, the lower end of which shall be cylindrical in
shape, 100.0 mm in diameter and 5 cm long, with a 2 mm chamfer at the lower edge, and
case-hardened. The hammer shall slide freely between vertical guides so arranged that the
lower (cylindrical) part of the hammer is above and concentric with the cup.
3) Means for raising the hammer and allowing it to fall freely between the vertical guides from a
height of 380.0 mm on to the test sample in the cup, and means for adjusting the height of fall
within 5 mm.
4) Tamping Rod: 10 mm dia. & 230 mm length.
5) Sieve : 12.5 mm,10 mm & 2.36 mm
6) Balance: capacity not less than 500 g.
7) Oven: A thermostatically controlled drying oven capable of maintain constant temperature
between 100°C & 110°C.

MATERIAL REQUIRED: Aggregate size passing of 12.5 mm & retained on 10 mm sieve.

THEORY: Toughness is the property of a material to resist impact. During the construction process of
pavement layers, particularly compaction by heavy rollers and also due to movement of heavy wheel
loads of traffic, the road aggregates are subjected to impact and there is possibility of some stones
breaking into smaller pieces.

PROCEDURE:

1) The test sample consists of aggregates passing 12.5 mm sieve and retained on 10 mm sieve and
dried in an oven for 4 hours at a temperature of 100°C to 110°C.
2) The aggregates are filled up to about 1/3 full in the cylindrical measure and tamped 25 times.
3) The rest of the cylindrical measure is filled by two layers and each layer being tamped 25 times.
4) The overflow of aggregates in cylindrical measure is cut off by tamping rod using it has a
straight edge.
5) Then the entire aggregate sample in a measuring cylinder is weighed.
6) The aggregate from the cylindrical measure are carefully transferred into the cylindrical cup
which is firmly fixed in position on the base plate of machine. Then it is tamped 25 times.
 7) The hammer is raised until its lower face is 380 mm above the upper surface of aggregate in the
cup and allowed to fall freely on the aggregate. The test sample is subjected to a total of 15 such
blow each being delivered at an interval of not less than one second. The crushed aggregate is
then removed from the cup and the whole of it is sieved on 2.36 mm IS sieve. Repeat the above
steps with other fresh sample
8) Let the original weight of the oven dry sample be W1 g and the weight of the fraction passing
2.36 mm IS sieve be W2 g. Then aggregate impact value is expressed as the % of fines formed
in term of total weight of sample.

OBSERVATION TABLE:

Total wt. of Wt. of aggregate passing Aggregate impact

Sample dry sample, 2.36 mm IS sieve after value = 𝑾𝟐 x 100 Average impact
No. 𝑾𝟏 value (%)
W1 g the test, W2 g
%

RESULT: Average Aggregate impact value = ………………………………………. %.

LIMITS: The aggregate impact value should not be more than 45 per cent for aggregate used for
concrete other than for wearing surfaces, and 30 per cent for concrete used for wearing surfaces such a
runways, roads and air field pavements.

Aggregate impact value, % Toughness property

Less than 10 Exceptionally tough

10 to 20 Very tough

20 to 30 Good for pavement surface

Above 35 Weak for pavement surface

 EXPERIMENT NO. - 02

AIM: To determine the abrasion value of aggregate by Los Angeles Abrasion method.

APPARATUS REQUIRED:

1) Los Angles Machine : It consist of a hollow steel cylinder, closed at both ends with an internal
diameter of 700 mm and length 500 mm and capable of rotating about its horizontal axis. A
removable steel shaft projecting radially 88 mm into cylinder and extending full length (i.e. 5
mm) is mounted firmly on the interior of cylinder. The shef is placed at a distance 1250 mm
from the opening in the direction of rotation.
2) Abrasive charge: Cast iron or steel balls, approximately 48 in dia. And each weighing between
390 to 445 g, 6 to 12 balls are required.
3) IS sieve : 10 mm, 12.5 mm & 1.7 mm
4) Balance of capacity 5 kg or 10 kg
5) Drying oven, tray etc.

MATERIAL REQUIRED: Aggregate size passing of 12.5 mm & retained on 10 mm sieve.

THEORY: The aggregates used in surface course of the pavement are subjected to wearing due to
movement of traffic when vehicles move on the road, the soil particles present between the pneumatic
tires and road surface cause abrasion of road aggregates. The steel reamed wheels of animal driven
vehicle also cause considerable abrasion of the road surface. Therefore, the road aggregates should be
hard enough to resist abrasion. Resistance to abrasion of aggregate is determined in laboratory by Los
Angeles test machine. The principle of Los Angeles abrasion test is to produce abrasive action by use
of standard steel balls which when mixed with aggregates and rotated in drum for specific number of
revolutions also causes impact on aggregates. The percentage wear of aggregates due to rubbing with
steel balls is determined and is known as Los Angeles abrasion value.

PROCEDURE:
1) From table select the grading to be used in the test such that it confirms to the grading to be
used in construction, to the maximum extent possible
2) Take 5 kg of the sample for grading A, B, C & D and 10 kg for grading E, E & G.
3) Choose the abrasion charge as per table depending on grading of aggregate.
4) Place the aggregates and abrasion charge on the cylinder and fix the cover.
5) Rotate the machine at a speed of 30-33 revolution per minute. The number of revolutions is 500
for grading A, B, C, & D and 1000 for grading E, F, & G. The machine should be balanced and
driven such that there is uniform peripheral speed.
6) The machine is stopped after the desired number of revolution and material is discharged to a
tray.
7) The entire stone dust is sieved on 1.7 mm IS sieve and weighed.
OBSERVATION TABLE:

Details of sample Trial - I Trial - II Average

Sl.
No
Original weight of aggregate W1 g
1
Weight of aggregate passing 1.7 mm IS sieve W2 g
2
Abrasion value =( W2/ W1 )x 100
3

RESULT: The average value of Los Angeles Abrasion test is ……………………………. %

Maximum allowable Loss Angeles values of aggregate in different types of pavement.

Sl. No. Type of pavement Abrasion value,

max. %

1. WBM Sub base 60

2. WBM with base course 50

3. Bituminous Bond Macadam 50

4. Bituminous Penetration Macadam 40

5. Cement concrete pavement 35

6. Bituminous surface dressing 35

7. Bituminous concrete surface course 30

Abrasion testing Machine
 EXPERIMENT NO. – 03

AIM: To determine the crushing value of the given sample of aggregate

APPARATUS REQUIRED:
1. Testing cylinder with open ends internal dia. 150 mm with an appropriate plunger and a piston.
2. Cylindrical measure having dia. of 115 mm and height 180 mm.
3. Steel tamping rod with one rounded end, having a dia. of 16 mm and length 450 to 600 mm.
4. Electronic balance.
5. Compression testing a machine capable of applying loads up to 40 tones at a uniform rate of
loading of 4 tones per minutes.
6. IS: sieves of size 12.5 mm, 10 mm & 2.36 mm.

MATERIAL REQUIRED: Aggregate size passing of 12.5 mm & retained on 10 mm sieve.

THEORY: Coarse aggregate used in pavement construction should be strong enough to resist crushing
under rolled during compaction as well as due to the heavy traffic wheel loads. If the aggregate are
weak the stability and performance of the pavement structure is likely to be adversely affected. The
strength of the coarse aggregates or the resistance to crushing of the coarse aggregate under the applied
load is generally assessed by conducting aggregate crushing test. The resistance to crushing of the
coarse aggregate under gradually applied compressive load is expressed in term of Aggregate Crushing
Value.

PROCEDURE:
1) The test sample consists of aggregates passing 12.5 mm sieve and retained on 10 mm sieve and
dried in an oven for 4 hours at a temperature of 100°C to 110°C.
2) The aggregates are filled up to about 1/3 full in the cylindrical measure and tamped 25 times.
3) The rest of the cylindrical measure is filled by two layers and each layer being tamped 25 times.
4) The overflow of aggregates in cylindrical measure is cut off by tamping rod using it has a
straight edge.
5) Then the entire aggregate sample in a measuring cylinder is weighed.
6) The aggregates from the cylindrical measure are transferred into the crushing test cylinder.
7) The aggregates in the crushing test cylinder are placed in position of the base plate.
8) This aggregate is then compacted in the test mould in the same manner as for the cylindrical
measure.
9) The top surface of the aggregate in the test mould is leveled and the total depth of aggregate in
test cylinder is checked which is to be 100 mm.
10) The plunger is inserted into the test cylinder so that it rest on this surface in level position the
cylinder with the test sample and plunger in position is placed on compression testing machine.
11) Load is then applied through the plunger at a uniform rate of 4 tones per minute until the total
load is 40 tones and then the load is released.
12) Aggregate including the crushed portion are removed from the cylinder and sieves on a 2.36
mm test sieve. The material which passes this sieve is collected and weighed.
 13) The aggregate crushing value is define as a ratio of weight of the portion of crushed aggregate
fines under the specified load of 40 tones that passes the specified test sieve (of size 2.36 mm)
to the total weight of the sample, expressed as a percentage. The value is generally recorded
correct to the first decimal place.
14) The above crushing test is repeated using the same weight of aggregate specimen is according
with above test procedure.
15) Two tests are carried out and the average of two test values is reported as the aggregate
crushing value.

Observation Table:-

Total wt. of Wt. of the portion of Aggregate

Sample dry sample, crushed material crushing value Average
No. W1 g passing 2.36 mm IS 𝑾𝟐 crushing
= x 100 % value (%)
𝑾𝟏
sieve, W2 g

RESULT: Average Aggregate crushing value = ………………………………………. %.

LIMITS: Aggregate crushing value should not generally more than 30 % to 35 %

Flexible pavements crushing value

Soiling < 50%
WBM < 40%
Bituminous macadam < 30%
 EXPERIMENT NO. – 04
AIM: To determine the water absorption in a given sample of coarse aggregate.

APPARATUS REQUIRED: Air-tight container, vessel, enamel tray, weighing balance, oven, 10
mm IS sieve, scoop etc.

MATERIAL REQUIRED: Sample of coarse aggregate & distilled water.

THEORY: Water absorption gives an idea on the internal structure of aggregate. Aggregates
having more absorption are more porous in nature and are generally considered unsuitable,
unless found to be acceptable based on strength, impact and hardness tests.

PROCEDURE:
1) Take 1 kg of coarse aggregate in natural state.
2) Sieve the aggregate sample to 10 mm IS sieve to remove the finer particles.
3) Keep the aggregate immerged for 24 hours so that they are completely saturated.
4) After 24 hours entrapped–air is removed by gentle agitation. Then fill the vessel
completely with distilled water. Wrap it’s out-sided with soft cloth.
5) Now aggregates appeared to be in saturated surface dry condition, they are weighed as
W3.
6) Then the aggregates placed in an enamel tray and keep it in oven for 24 hours.
7) After 24 hours the aggregates taken out from the oven and cool in an air-tight container,
weigh oven dried aggregates as W4.

OBSERVATION TABLE:

Sl. Descriptions Sample No.

No.
I II

1 Wt. of saturated & surface dry sample w3 g

2 Wt. of oven dry sample w4 g

3 Water Absorption, in %

Water Absorption, in %

CALCULATION:

W3−W4
Water absorption % = x 100
W4

RESULT:
The Water Absorption of a given sample of fine aggregate is found to be ……. %

Vessel Air-tight container

 EXPERIMENT NO. - 05
AIM: To determine the flakiness & elongation index of coarse aggregate.

APPARATUS REQUIRED: Thickness gauge, length gauge, IS sieve : 63mm, 50 mm, 40 mm, 31.5
mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, 16 mm, 12.5 mm, 10 mm, & 6.3 mm, weighing balance, tray, scoop etc.

MATERIAL REQUIRED: Dry sample of coarse aggregate.

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

Flakiness index: The flakiness index of aggregate is the percentage by weight of particles whose
least dimension (thickness) is less than three-fifth (0.6 times) of their mean dimension.
This test is not applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3 mm.

Elongation index: The elongation index of aggregate is the percentage by weight of particles
whose greatest dimension (length) is greater than nine-fifth (1.8 times) of their mean dimension.
This test is not applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3 mm.

PROCEDURE:
1) Take a minimum of 200 pieces of each fraction to be tested and weight.
2) Sieve the sample through the IS sieve.
3) To separate the flaky materials, gauge each fraction for thickness gauge. The width of the
slot used should be of the dimensions specified in the table.
4) Weigh the flaky materials passing the gauge to an accuracy of at least 0.1 percent of the
test sample.
5) Again to separate the elongated materials gauge each fraction for length on a length gauge.
The width of the slot used should be of the dimensions specified in the table.
6) Weigh the elongated materials passing the gauge to an accuracy of at least 0.1 percent of
the test sample.
 OBSERVATION TABLE:

I. Flakiness index of course aggregate

Total weight aggregate, W1 = ……………g

Sl. Size of Aggregate Wt. of

aggregate
No. Passing Retained on Thickness passing
through IS: through the
sieve, mm IS: sieve , Gauge size, mm slot, g
mm
𝟑
𝐱( ( 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒅𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒛𝒆))
𝟓

1. 63 50 33.90

2. 50 40 27.00

3. 40 31.5 19.50

4. 31.5 25 16.95

5. 25 20 13.50

6. 20 16 10.80

7. 16 12.5 8.55

8. 12.5 10 6.55

9. 10 6.3 4.89

∑W = W2 =

𝐖𝟐
Flakiness index of course aggregate = x 100
𝐖𝟏
I. Elongation index of course aggregate

Total weight aggregate, W1 =

Sl. Size of Aggregate Wt. of

aggregate
No. Passing Retained on Length retained on
through IS: the slot, g
sieve, mm IS: sieve , mm Gauge size, mm

𝟗
𝐱( 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒅𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒛𝒆)
𝟓

1. 63 50 ___

2. 50 40 81.0

3. 40 31.5 58.5

4. 31.5 25 ___

5. 25 20 40.5

6. 20 16 32.4

7. 16 12.5 25.6

8. 12.5 10 20.2

9. 10 6.3 14.7

∑W = W2 =

𝐖𝟐
Elongation index of course aggregate = x 100
𝐖𝟏

RESULT:
i) The flakiness index of a given sample of fine aggregate is ………. ……%
ii) The elongation index of a given sample of fine aggregate is …………. %

LIMITS:
Flakiness index and elongation index are limited to about 15 % by weight of the total aggregate
Thickness gauge

Length gauge
 EXPERIMENT NO. - 06
Aim: To determine the Penetration value of bitumen.

Apparatus: It consists of items like container, needle, water bath, penetrometer, stop watch etc.
Container is 55mm in diameter and 35mm to 57mm height. The needle is provided with a shank
approximately 3.0mm in diameter into which it is immovably fixed.

Theory: The consistencies of bituminous materials vary depending upon several factors such as
constituents, temperature, etc. As temperature ranges between 25° and 50°C most of the paving
bitumen grades remain in semi-solid or in plastic states and their viscosity is so high that they do not
flow as liquid.

Determination of absolute viscosity of bituminous material is not so simple. Therefore the consistency
of these materials is determined by indirect methods. The consistency of bitumen is determined by
penetration test which is a very simple test. Various types and grades of bituminous materials are
available depending on their origin and refining process. The penetration test determines the
consistency of these materials for the purpose of grading them, by measuring the depth (in units of one
tenth of millimeter or one hundredth of a centimeter) to which a standard needle will penetrate
vertically under specified conditions of standard load, duration and temperature. Thus the basic
principle of the penetration test is the measurement of the penetration (in units of one tenth of an mm)
of a standard needle in a bitumen sample maintained at 25C during five seconds, the total weight of the
needle assembly being 100gm. The softer the bitumen, the greater will be the penetration. The test is
conducted as per IS-1203 for paving bitumen.

Procedure:

1. The bitumen is softened to a paving consistency between 75° and 100°C above the approximate
temperature at which bitumen softens.
2. The sample material is thoroughly stirred to make it homogeneous and free from air bubbles
and water.
3. The sample containers are cooled in atmosphere of temperature not lower than 13°C for one
hour. Then they are placed in temperature controlled water bath at a temperature of 25°C for a
period of one hour.
4. The weight of needle, shaft and additional weight are checked. The total weight of this
assembly should be100gm
5. Using the adjusting screw, the needle assembly is lowered and the tip of the needle is made to
just touch the top surface of the sample.
6. The needle assembly is clamped in this position. The contact of the tip of the needle is checked
using the mirror placed on the rear of the needle.
7. The initial reading of the penetrometer dial is either adjusted to zero or the initial reading is
noted.
8. Then the needle is released by pressing a button and a stop watch is started. The needle is
 released exactly for a period of 5.0secs.
9. At least 3 measurements are made on this sample by testing at distance of not less than
100mmapart.
10. The difference between the initial and final penetration readings are taken as the penetration
value.

Observation and Calculation:

Readings Trails Mean Value

1 2 3

Penetrometer Dial Initial

Penetrometer Dial Final

Penetration Value

Result: …………….
 EXPERIMENT NO. - 07

Aim: To determine the softening point of given paving bitumen.

Apparatus: Ring and Ball apparatus, Water bath with stirrer, Thermometer, Glycerin, etc. Steel balls
each of 9.5mm and weight of 2.5±0.08gm.

Theory: Bitumen does not suddenly change from solid to liquid state, but as the temperature increase,
it gradually becomes soften until it flows readily. The softening point is the temperature at which the
substance attains particular degree of softening under specified condition of test. For bitumen it is
usually determined by Ring and Ball apparatus. The test is conducted as per IS: 1205.

Procedure:
1. Sample material is heated to a temperature between 75° and 100°C above the approximate
softening point until it is completely fluid and is poured in heated rings placed on the metal
plate.
2. To avoid sticking of the bitumen to metal plate, coating is done to this with a solution of
glycerin and dextrin.
3. After cooling the rings in air for 30 minutes, the excess bitumen is trimmed and rings are placed
in the support.
4. At this time the temperature of distilled water is kept at 5°C. This temperature is maintained for
15 minutes after which the balls are placed in position.
5. Then the temperature of water is raised at uniform rate of 5°C per minute with a controlled
heating unit, until the bitumen softens and touches the bottom plate by sinking of balls. At least
two observations are made. For material whose softening point is above 80°C, glycerin is used
for heating medium and the starting temperature is 35°C instead of 5°C.
6. The temperature at the instant when each of the ball and sample touches the bottom plate of
support is recorded as softening point value.

Observation and Calculation:

Mean Value
Test Property Trails

1 2 3

Temperature (°C) at which I

ball

Temperature (°C) at which II

ball

Final Softening Point Temperature

Result: The softening point value of given bitumen sample is…………..

 EXPERIMENT NO. - 08

Aim: To determine the flash and fire point of a given bituminous material.

Apparatus: Penske-Martens closed cup tester, thermometer, heating source, flame exposure.

Theory: Flash and Fire point test is a safety test conducted on a bituminous material so that it gives an
indication of the critical temperature at and above where precautions should be taken to eliminate fire
hazards during its applications. Bituminous materials leave out volatiles at high temperature depending
upon their grade. These volatile vapors catch fire causing a flash. This condition is very hazardous and it
is therefore essential to qualify this temperature for each bitumen grade, so that the paving engineers may
restrict the mixing or application temperature well within the limits. Flash and Fire point test is conducted
as per IS: 1209.

As per IS: 1209 the definitions of flash and fire point are:
Flash Point: "The flash point of a material is the lowest temperature at which the vapor of substance
momentarily takes fire in the form of a flash under specified conditions of test".
Fire Point: "The fire point is the lowest temperature at whichthe material gets ignited and burns under specified condition of
test".
Procedure:
All parts of the cup are cleaned and dried thoroughly before the test is started.
1) The material is filled in the cup up to a mark. The lid is placed to close the cup in a closed system. All
accessories including thermometer of the specified rangeare suitably fixed.
2) The bitumen sample is then heated. The test flame is lit and adjusted in such a way that the size of a bed is of
4mm diameter. The heating of sample is done at a rate of 5° to 6°C per minute. During heating the sample the
stirring is doneat a rate of approximately60revolutions per minute.
3) The test flame is applied at intervals depending upon the expected flash and fire points and corresponding
temperatures at which the material shows the sign of flash and fire are noted

Observation and Calculation:

Test Trails Mean Value

1 2 3

Flash Point

Fire point

Result: The temperature at which the flame application that causes a bright flash………………. °C and
temperature at which the sample……………
 EXPERIMENT NO. - 09

Aim: To determine the Ductility of Bitumen.

Apparatus: Briquette mould, (length —75mm, distance between clips —30mm, width at mouth of clips
20mm, cross section at minimum width —10mmx 10mm), Ductility machine with water bath and pulling
device at a recalibrated rate, a putty knife, thermometer.

Theory: A certain minimum ductility is necessary for a bitumen binder. This is because of the
temperature changes in bituminous mixes and the repeated deformations that occur in flexible pavements
due to the traffic loads. It is of significant importance that the binders form ductile thin films around the
aggregates. The binder material which does not possess sufficient ductility would crack and thus provide
previous pavement surface. This is in turn results in damaging effect to the pavement structure. The
ductility is expressed as the distance in centimeters to which a standard briquette of bitumen can be
stretched before the thread breaks. The test is standardized by the IS: 1208. The test is conducted at
27°±0.5°C and a rate of pull of 50±2.5 mm per minute.

Procedure:

1. The bitumen sample is method to a pouring temperature (75°C to 100 °C) and poured into the
mould assembly and placed on a brass plate, where a solution of glycerin or soap solution is
applied at all surfaces of briquette mould exposed to bitumen.
2. After the sample is poured to the mould, thirty to forty minutes the entire assembly is placed in a
water bath at 27°C.
3. Then the sample is removed from the water bath maintained at 27°C and excess bitumen material
is cutoff by leveling the surface using hot knife.
4. After trimming the specimen, the mould assembly containing sample is replaced in water bath
maintained at 27°C for 85 to 95 minutes. Then the sides of mould are removed and the clips are
carefully booked on the machine without causing any initial strain. Two or more specimens may
be prepared in the moulds and clipped to the Machine so as to conduct these ‘test simultaneously.
5. The pointer is set to read zero. The machine is started and the two clips are thus pulled apart
horizontally.
6. While the test is in operation, it is checked whether the sample is immersed in water at depth of at
least 10mm. The distance at which the bitumen thread of each specimen breaks is recorded (in
cm) to report as ductility value.
Observation and Calculation:

Trails Mean Value

1 2 3

Test Property

Ductility Value

Result: The ductility value of the given bitumen sample is ………………CM.

 EXPERIMENT NO. – 10
AIM: To determine the specific gravity of a given sample of coarse aggregate.

APPARATUS REQUIRED: Air-tight container, vessel, enamel tray, weighing balance, oven, 10
mm IS sieve, scoop etc.

MATERIAL REQUIRED: Sample of coarse aggregate & distilled water.

THEORY: The specific gravity of an aggregate is considered to be a measure of strength or

quality of the material. The specific gravity test helps in the identification of stone.
Specific gravity is the weight of aggregate relative to the weight of equal volume of water.
Water absorption gives an idea of strength of aggregates having more water absorption are
more porous in nature and are generally considered unsuitable un less they are found to be
acceptable, based on strength impact and hardness tests.

PROCEDURE:
1) Take 1 kg of coarse aggregate in natural state.
2) Sieve the aggregate sample to 10 mm IS sieve to remove the finer particles.
3) Place the sieved sample in vessel and fill the vessel partly with distilled water.
4) Keep the aggregate immerged for 24 hours so that they are completely saturated.
5) After 24 hours entrapped–air is removed by gentle agitation. Then fill the vessel
completely with distilled water. Wrap it’s out-sided with soft cloth and weigh it as W1.
6) Empty the vessel and allow the aggregate to drain out. The aggregate are then placed
in a dry plot till comes it completely surface dry condition.
7) Refill the empty vessel with water completely as before and weigh it as W2.
8) Now aggregates appeared to be in saturated surface dry condition, they are weighed as
W3.
9) Then the aggregates placed in an enamel tray and keep it in oven for 24 hours.
10)After 24 hours the aggregates taken out from the oven and cool in an air-tight
container, weigh oven dried aggregates as W4.

OBSERVATION TABLE:

Sl. Descriptions Sample No.

No.
I II

1 Wt. of sample taken wg

2 Wt. of vessel + sample + water w1g

3 Wt. of vessel + water w2 g

4 Wt. of saturated & surface dry sample w3 g

 5 Wt. of oven dry sample w4 g

6 Specific gravity

7 Apparent Specific gravity

8 Water Absorption, in %

9 Specific gravity

Average value of Apparent Specific gravity

Water Absorption, in %

CALCULATION:
W4
Specific gravity = W3−(W1−W4)
W4
Apparent Specific gravity = W4−(W1−W4)
W3−W4
Water absorption % = x 100
W4

RESULT:
i) The Specific Gravity of a given sample of fine aggregate is found to be …….
ii) The Water Absorption of a given sample of fine aggregate is found to be ……. %

Vessel Air-tight container