QUALITY CONTROL TESTS FOR ROAD WORKS

By Sri D.V.Bhavanna Rao, Chief Engineer (R&B)QC and Member COT

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 1050 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 60C.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. 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 110C (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 60C.

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).

Table I Quantity of Soil Sample Required for Conducting the Tests. (Clauses 3.2, 3.3 & 4.1)
S. NO (1) i TEST (2) Water content Type Temperature and duration of drying. (3) Oven. 24 h Oven. 105 to 110oC 24 h Amount of soil sample required for test. (4) As given in table 2 50 g for fine grained soils 400g for fine, medium and coarse grained soils As given in table 3 270g 60g 100g 6 kg(15 kg if soil is susceptible to crushing) do 2 kg 1 kg Degree of Pulverization (IS Sieve size) (5) -Refer to part of IS 2720. (6) Part 2 part 3/section 1 part 3/section 2 part 4 part 5 Do part 6

ii

Specific Gravity

2 mm

iii iv v vi

Grain size analysis Liquid Limit Plastic Limit Shrinkage Factors Compaction a) Light Compaction b)Heavy Compaction c)Constant Mass Un-confined compressive strength. Triaxial compression (Unconsolidated) Triaxial compression (Consolidated) Direct Shear

Air Drying do do Air Drying

-425 micron do 425 micron

do do do Oven 110oC 5oC

19 mm 19 mm 4.75 mm --

part 7 part 8 part 9 part 10

vii

viii

ix

Do

1 kg / 5 kg

--

part 11

do Air Drying/Oven 110o 5o C

do

--

part 12

xi

1 kg As per size of particle given below 75 mm 45 kg 37.5 mm 12 kg 19 mm 12 kg 9.5 mm 12 kg 4.75 mm 12 kg

4.75 mm

part 13

xii

Density Index (Relative Density)

Oven, 105 to1100C 24 h

--

Part 14

xiii xiv xv

Consolidation Properties CBR Permeability Field Moisture equivalent Centrifuge moisture equivalent Linear Shrinkage Chemical Tests a)Total Soluble Solids b)Organic Matter c)Calcium Carbonate

Air Drying/Oven 110o 5o C Air Drying Oven, 105 to1100C 24 h Air Drying

500g 6 kg 2.5 kg (100 mm dia) / 5 kg (200 mm dia) 15 g

-19 mm 9.5 mm

part 15 part 16 part 17

xvi

425 microns

part 18

xvii

Do

10 g

do

part 19

xviii

Do

450 g

do

part 20

Oven, 105 to1100C 24 h Air Drying Oven, 105 to1100C 24 h do do do do

10 g 100 g 5g 80-130 g 15 g 30 g 30 g

2 mm do ----425 microns --

part 21 part 22 part 23 part 24 part 25 part 26 part 27

xix

d) Cat ion exchange capacity e)silica Sesquioxide ratio f)pH value g)Total soluble Sulphates

xx

Vane Shear Negative Pore Water Pressure Permeability of Granular soils sand equivalent value Direct Shear

Air Drying/Oven 110o 5o C Do Air Drying / Oven 1100 C 50C 110o C 5oC

250 g

--

part 30

xxi

1 kg / 5 kg

--

part 35

xxii

1 kg / 5 kg

--

part 36

xxiii

1500 g

4.75 mm

part 37 part 39/ section 1 part 40

xxiv

Air Drying

up to 120 g

above 4.75 mm

xxv

Free Swell Index

Oven Dry

20 g

425 microns

xxvi

Swelling Pressure

Air Drying / Oven Dry

2 kg

2 mm

part 41

Quantity of Sample
1 The quantities of soil sample required for conducting various laboratory tests are given in table-I for guidance. When a smaller quantity has to be taken out of a bigger soil mass, representative sampling shall be done by quartering or riffling
Note: - For actual quantities corresponding part of IS 2720 shall be referred.

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 determination of water content Size of Particles more than 90% passing 425 micron IS Sieve 2 mm IS Sieve 4.75 mm IS Sieve 9.50 mm IS Sieve 19 mm IS Sieve 17.5 mm IS Sieve Minimum quantity of soil specimen to be taken for the test. Mass in Grams. 25 50 200 300 500 1000

Table 3 Quantity of Soil required for grain size analysis

Maximum Size of Material Present in Substantial Quantities mm 75 37.5 19 13.2 9.5 6.7 4.75

Mass to be taken for Test. Kg 60 25 6.5 3.5 1.5 0.75 0.4

Depending upon the type, 100 to 200 g of the soil fraction passing the 2 mm IS Sieve will be required for the determination of the distribution of particles below 63-micron size.

Determination of Soil Gradation

A. Dry Sieve Analysis (for soil fraction retained on 4.75 mm sieve) 1. Prepare the sample by drying it in air or oven and bring it to room temperature. 2. Clean all the sieves to be used (40 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, 10 mm, 4.75 mm) 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 the prescribed form. 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 the prescribed form.

2. Test for the Determination of Liquid Limit By Cone Penetration Method-One Point Method IS: 2720 (Part 5)-1985
Apparatus 1 Cone Penetrometer It shall consist of a metallic cone with half angle of 150-3015 and 30.5 mm coned length. It shall be fixed at the end of a metallic rod with a disc at the top of the rod so as to have a total sliding weight of 80 0.5 g. The rod shall pass through two guides (to ensure vertical movement), fixed to a stand as indicated in Fig. It shall confirm to IS: 11196-1985. Suitable provision shall be made for clamping the vertical rod at any desired height above the surface of the soil paste in the trough. A trough 50 mm in diameter and 50 mm high internally shall be provided. 2 Balance sensitive to 0.01 g. 3 Containers non-corrodible and air-tight for moisture determination. 4 Oven thermostatically controlled with interior of non-corroding material to maintain the temperature between 1050C and 1100C. Soil Sample A soil sample weighing about 150 g from the thoroughly mixed portion of the soil passing 425 micron IS Sieve obtained in accordance with IS: 2720 (Part -1) 1983 shall be taken. Procedure About 150 g of the soil specimen obtained as in 3.2 shall be taken and worked into a paste with addition of distilled water. In case of clayey soils, it is recommended that the soil is kept wet and allowed to stand for a sufficient time (24 hours) to ensure uniform distribution of moisture. The wet soil paste shall then be transferred to the cylindrical trough of the cone Penetrometer apparatus and leveled up to the top of the trough. The Penetrometer shall be so adjusted that the cone point just 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.

3. Determination of Liquid Limit of Soil by Cassagrandhe method.

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.

4. Test for the Determination of Plastic Limit

Apparatus 1 Porcelain Evaporating Dish about 12 cm in diameter. Or Flat Glass Plate 10 mm thick and about 45 cm square or larger. IS: 2720 (Part 5) 1985 2 Spatula flexible, with the blade about 8 cm long and 2 cm wide. 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.
6

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.

5. Plasticity Index
Calculation : The plasticity index is calculated as the difference between its liquid limit and plastic limit. Plasticity index (I p) = liquid limit (WL) 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.

6. Determination of Free Swell Index of Soils IS: 2720 (Part 40): 1977
1. Take two samples of dry soil. 10 gm each 2. Take two 100 ml graduated glass cylinders. 3. Pour the soil sample in each cylinder 4. Fill distilled water in one cylinder and kerosene in the other cylinder upto 100 ml marks. 5. Remove the entrapped air by gently shaking or stirring with a glass rod.

6. Leave the samples to settle and allow sufficient time (24 hours or more) for the soil samples to attain equilibrium state of volume. 7. Read the final volume of soil in each cylinder. 8. Determine the differential free swell index Sd using the formula Volume of soil in water - volume of soil in kerosene Sd= 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)) 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: Differential free swell (%) Degree of expansiveness x lOO

< 20 Low 20-35 Moderate 35-50 High > 50 Very High If the degree of expansiveness of soil at a site is damageable to the structure to be constructed there, it is recommended to take suitable measures for foundation design to the same. In such cases, the foundation should be constructed under the supervision of a geotechnical engineer.

7. Determination of Field Density and Dry Unit Weight By Sand Replacement Method
Object and scope. The object of the test is to determine the dry density of natural or compact soil, in-place, by the sand replacement method. Materials and equipment: (i) Sand pouring cylinder of about 3 litre capacity, mounted above a pouring cone and separated by a shutter cover plate and a shutter, (ii) Cylindrical calibrating container, 10 cm internal diameter and 15 cm internal depth, fitted with flange approximately 5 cm wide and about 5 mm thick (iii) Glass plate, about 45 cm square and 1 cm 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). (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 sandpouring 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. Tabulation of observations. The observations are tabulated as illustrated in Table 3.10.

TABLE 3.10 Data and Observation Sheet for Determination of Dry Density by Sand Replacement Method
(a) Determination of Mass of sand in the cone 1. Mass of sand (+cylinder) before pouring M1 2. Mean mass of sand in cone M2 (b) Determination of bulk density of sand 3. Volume of calibrating container V 4. Mean mass of sand (+cylinder) after pouring M3 5. Mass of sand filling calibrating container = M1 - M3 - M2 6. Bulk Density of sand S =1450 / 1000 (c) Bulk density of soil 7. Mass of wet soil from the hole M 8. Mass of sand (+cylinder) after pouring in the hole M4 9. Mass of sand in the hole = M1 - M4 - M2 10. Bulk density of soil() = 2234 / 1593 X 1.45 (d) Water content determination 11. Container No 12. Mass of container + wet soil 13. Mass of container + dry soil 14. Mass of container 15. Mass of dry soil 10550 g 445 g

1000 ml 8655 g 1450 g

1.45 g/cm3

2234g 8512g 1593g 2.03 g/cm3 11 62.48 g 57.76 g 21.43 g 36.33 g

d =__ _2.03_ 1.8 g/cm3 1+w 1+0.13 Reference to Indian standard: IS: 2720-1974 (Part XXVIII) by sand replacement method):

16. Mass of water 17. Water content (w) Ratio 18. Dry density

4.72 g 0.13

8. 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 1000.1 mm and an internal effective height of 127.30.1 mm, or mould of capacity 2250 cc, with an internal diameter 1500.1 mm and an internal effective height of 127.30.1 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 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 Proctors 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.

10

Fig.a

Fig.b

Tabulation of observations. The observations are tabulated as illustrated in Table below.

Table : Data And Observation Sheet For Proctors Test (Light Compaction)
Determination No. (a) Density Mass of mould + compacted soil (g) Mass of mould Mass of compacted soil Bulk density () Dry density (d) Mass of container + wet soil Mass of Container + dry soil Mass of water Mass of container Mass of dry soil Water content (w) (g) (g) g/cm
3 3

1 6607 4944 1663 1.76 1.55 23 (g) (g) (g) (g) (g) (%) 45.3 42.5 2.8 22.5 20.0 13.9

2 6644 4944 1720 1.82 1.57 94 59.9 54.7 5.2 22.9 31.8 16.3

3 6723 4944 1779 1.88 1.58 8 38.8 36.2 2.6 22.5 13.7 18.8

4 6795 4944 1851 1.96 1.64 9 52.2 47.4 4.8 22.6 24.8 19.4

5 6837 4944 1893 2.00 1.63 159 46.8 42.2 4.4 23.1 19.3 22.8

6 6842 4944 1898 2.01 1.62 71 45.6 41.3 4.3 22.9 18.4 23.4

7 6829 4944 1885 1.99 1.58 10 44.9 40.2 4.7 22.5 17.7 26.6

g/cm

(b) Water content Container No.

Calculations: 1. The dry density of the compacted soil is calculated as follows: d = (1+w) A curve showing the relationship between dry density and water content is plotted. The water content corresponding to the maximum dry density is found from the curve. For the data tabulated above, the optimum water content is found to be 20% corresponding to maximum dry density of 1.64 g/cm3. The corresponding dry unit weight = 1.64 x 9.81 = 16.09 kN/m3. 2. The voids ratio for each determination is found from the equation: e = G w - 1 d 3. On the same plot, a curve is drawn between penetration resistance and water content (Fig. b).
11

(b) Heavy Compaction (Modified Proctors 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.

9. 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.

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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. 5. Testing the Specimen (i) Place the mould containing the specimen, with base plate in position, on the testing machine. (ii) Place the annular weight of 2.5 kg on the top surface of soil. (iii) Bring the penetration plunger in contact with soil surface and apply a load of 4 kg so that full contact between soil and plunger is established. This should be taken as zero load. (iv) Place the remainder surcharge weight so that total surcharge weight equals to 5 kg. (v) Set the reading of dial gauges to zero. (vi) Apply load so that penetration rate is 1.2 mm per min. Record the load at penetration of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 4.0, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 12.5 mm. The maximum load has to be recorded if it occurs at less than 12.5 mm. (vii) Collect about 20 to 50 g of soil to determine the water content

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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 mm 2.5 5.0 7.5 10.0 12.5 Unit standard load kg (f)/cm2 70 105 134 162 183 Total standard kg(f) 1370 2055 2630 3180 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

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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.

10. Determination of Specific Gravity and Water Absorption of Aggregate

1. 2. 3. Wash a sample of aggregate of not less than 2000 gm to remove dust. Drain and place the sample in the density basket. Immerse the basket in water at a temperature of 22C to 32C with at least 5cm cover of water above the top of the basket. 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. Keep the basket and aggregates completely immersed in water for 24 `/~ hours. then weigh in water at temperature of 22C to 32C (W1). Remove the basket and aggregates from water and allow to drain for few minutes. Empty the aggregates from basket and return the empty basket into water. Jolt the basket 25 times and weigh in water 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. Take the weight of surface dry aggregates (W3). Place the aggregates in oven at a temperature of 100C to 110C for 24 1/2 hours. Remove the aggregates in oven, cool in air and weigh (W4). i) W4 Sp. Gravity = ---------------------W3 - (W1 W2) W4 Apparent Sp. Gravity = ---------------------W3 - (W1 W2)

4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

ii)

W3 W4 iii) Water absorption (Percent of dry weight) = ---------------- X 100 W4 13. Report results in Form GB - 5.

11. Determination of Moisture Content of Aggregates

1. Clean the container thoroughly 2. Dry it and termine its empty weight (W1) with lid. 3. Take the required quantity of the aggregate sample in the container and place it
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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 110C 5C 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 the prescribed Form. Moisture Content of Aggregates 12. Determination of Flakiness Index and Elongation Index Values Concept and Significance: Flakiness Index of an aggregate is the percentage by weight of particles in it whose least dimension (thickness)is less than three fifths (3/5th) of their mean dimension. The test is not applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3mm. Object To determine the flakiness of coarse aggregate sample Apparatus 1. Balance should have an accuracy of 0.10% of the weight of test sample 2. Metal gauge confirming to IS 2336 (Part I) 1977 3. I.S Sieves 63mm, 50mm, 40mm , 31.5mm ,25mm,20mm,16mm, 12.5mm , 10.0mm and 6.3mm. Procedure 1. The sample has to be carefully and properly sieved. 2. Nine fractions are to be collected with the following specifications:
Passing through I.S Sieve 60 mm 50 mm 40 mm 31.5 mm 25 mm 20 mm 16 mm 12.5 mm 10 mm Retained on I.S Sieve 50 mm 40 mm 31.5 mm 25 mm 20 mm 16 mm 12.5 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.

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5. Each part is separately weighed. Sum of both the weights gives the total weight of each fraction. Observations and Calculations:

Flakiness
Wt.of fraction of the sample S.No 1. 2. 3. Passed Through 63.0 50.0 40.0 Retained On 50.0 40.0 25.0 Total Weight in gms 4030 11820 21880 37730 Thickness Guage 63.0 - 50.0 50.0 - 40.0 40.0 - 25.0

Index
Wt.of fraction Passing through Thickness guage in gms 383 1217 2341 3941

Allowable Percentage

Flakiness Index:( 3941/37730) x 100 = 10.44 %

Not >15 %

ELONGATION INDEX: Elongation Index is weight of elongated particles divided by total nonflaky 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
S.No 1. 2. 3. Total Weight of Non-flaky material 3647 10603 19539 33789 Length Guage 63.0 - 50.0 50.0 - 40.0 40.0 - 25.0 Wt. of Fraction Retained on 126 273 676 1075 Allowable Percentage Length gauge in gms

Elongation Index =

1075 x 100 (37730-3941) = 1075/33789 x 100 = 3.18.

Flakiness + Elongation Index = 10.44 + 3.18 = 13.62 % (Not > 30%) 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)

13. Determination of Aggregate Impact Value

1. Concept and Significance. The property of a material to resist impact is known as Toughness. Due to movement of vehicles on the road the aggregates are subjected to impact resulting in their breaking down in to smaller pieces. The aggregates should therefore have sufficient toughness to resist their disintegration due to impact. This characteristic is measured by impact value test. The aggregate

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impact value is a measure of resistance to sudden impact or shock, which may differ from its resistance to gradually applied compressive load. 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. 1. The Aggregates passing through 12.5mm sieve and retained on 10.0mm sieve comprises the test material. 2. Pour the aggregates to fill about just 1/3rd depth of measuring cylinder. 3. Compact the material by giving 25 gentle blows with the rounded end of the tamping rod. 4. Add two more layers in similar manner , so that the cylinder is full. 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.
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6. Record of Observations and Calculations.

Tests on Bituminous Material

14. Determination of Penetration Value of Bitumen (Specification No.136 of APSS) 1. Concepts and Significance. Penetration is a measurement of hardness or consistence of bituminous material. It is vertical distance penetrated by the point of a standard needle into the bituminous material under specific condition of load, time and temperature. This distance is measured in 1/10th of a millimeter. 2. Objectives. 1. To determine the consistency of bituminous material. 2. To assess the suitability of Bitumen for its use under different climatic conditions and type of constructions. 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. 6. Time Measuring device: With an accuracy + 0.1 sec.

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 25.0C + 0.1 and allow it to remain for 1 to 1 hour.

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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. 6. Record of observations and calculations: Example: S.No. 1. Details Penetrometer dial reading (i) Initial (ii) Final Penetration value Test 1 0 86 86 Test2 0 84 84 Test3 84 171 87

2.

Mean penetration value = (86+84+87)/3 = 85.67 or Say 86 Penetration at 25 degree C, 100g, 5seconds in 1/100 cm shall be as under for the different grades of materials (as per IS: 73-1961 Table-II). Grade of material S 35 S 45 S 65 S 90 S 200 Penetration 30 40 40 50 60 70 80 100 175 225

15. 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.

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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: Property Flash Point Fire Point Test 1 185 238 2 188 240 3 179 234 Mean 184 237

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 175C. 16. Determination of Softening Point of Bitumen 1. Heat the bitumen to a temperature between 125C and 150C. 2. Heat the rings at same temperature on a hot plate and place it on a glass plate coated with glycerine. 3. Fill up the rings with bitumen. 4. Cool it for 30 Minutes in air and level the surface with a hot knife. 5. Set the ring in the assembly and place it in the bath containing distilled water at 5C and maintain that temperature for 15 Minutes. 6. Place the balls on the rings. 7. Raise the temperature uniformly at 5C 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.

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17. Determination of Ductility of Bitumen

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. The bitumen sample is melted to a temperature of 75c to 100c above the approximate softening point until it is fluid. 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. 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 27C for 30 minutes. The sample and mould assembly are removed from water bath and excess bitumen material is cut off by leveling the surface using hot knife. After trimming the specimen, the mould assembly containing sample is replaced in water bath maintained at 27c for 85 to 95 minutes. The sides of the mould are then removed and the clips are carefully hooked on the machine without causing any initial strain. The pointer is set to read Zero. The machine is started and the two clips are thus pulled apart horizontally. While the test is in operation, it is checked whether the sample is immersed in water in depth of at least 10mm. The distance at which the bitumen thread breaks is recorded (in cm.) and reported as ductility value. [Form BL-1(b)]

18. ELASTIC RECOVERY TEST

AS PER APPENDIX 1 OF IRC: 53 2002 Prepare 3 test specimens for 1 sample as prescribed in IS: 1208 at 15C. Elongate the test specimen to 10cm at the rate of 0.25 cm per minute. Immediately cut the test specimen in to 2 halves at the mid point using scissors, Keep the test specimen in water bath in an undisturbed condition For one hour at specified temperature, Move the elongated half of the test specimen back in to position near the fixed half to just touch. Record combined length as X Elastic Recovery (%) = (10-X)/10x100

19. Determination of Rate of Spread of Binder

I. 2. Cut the cotton pads to a size of 203 x 102 mm. making sure that. each pad is as uniform in size as possible. 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. Number the pads on the underside of the paper. Attach pieces of masking tape to the wrapping paper and tape, to the nearest 0.1 gm. Weigh the cotton pads complete with wrapping paper and tape, to the nearest 0.1 gm. 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. 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. 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, Weigh each pad. Including wrapping paper and masking tape to nearest 0.1g.

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

9.

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Tests On Sand. 20. 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. Therefore the volume of sand used shall be more than the quoted volume by above % in the specification.

21. Determination Of Silt Content (APSS 110).

Object: To determine the percentage of silt content. Sand shall be durable and free from adherent coatings and organic matter and shall not contain any appreciable amount of clay balls or pellets. Procedure: A sample of sand to be tested shall be placed without drying in a200ml measuring cylinder. The size of sample shall be such that it fills the cylinder up to 100ml mark. Clean water shall be added over it up to 150ml mark. The mixture then shall be shaken vigorously and the contents allowed to settle for 3 hours. The height of silt visible as settled layer above the sand shall be expressed as percentage of the height of sand below. Limits: Clay, Fine Silt & Fine dust in natural sand or crushed gravel sand should not more than 4% by weight.

22. Determination of Fineness Modulus (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. Object: To determine the fineness modulus of sand 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. No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Sieve Designation 10mm 4.75mm 2.36mm 1.18mm 600 300 150 (-)150 Weight Retained(g) 1 45 583 1935 1407 334 37 Cum. Wt. Retained(g) 1 46 629 2564 3971 4305 4342 Cum Wt. Retained In % 0.02 1.06 14.49 59.05 91.45 99.14 Cum Wt. Passing In % 100 99.98 98.94 85.51 40.95 8.55 0.86 -

TOTAL 265.21 Fineness Modulus = Total Cum. Wt. Retained % : 265.21/100 = 2.65% 100 Allowable Limits: 2.00 to 3.50 %
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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 1. 2. 3. Characteristics Compressive strength Absorption after 24 hr immersion in cold water Efflorescence Requirements Not less than 40 Kg/Cm2 Not more than 20% by wt. Not more than moderate

23. Determination of Crushing Strength of Bricks

Object: To determine the crushing strength of Bricks (APSS 102) Preconditioning: Remove the unevenness observed in the bed faces to provide two smooth and parallel faces by grinding. Immerse in water at room temperature for 24 hours. Remove the specimen and drain out any surplus moisture, at room temperature. Fill the frog (Where provided) and all voids in the bed face, flush the cement mortar of grade (1 cement, 1 clean coarse sand). Then cover it with wet jute bags for 24 hrs followed by immersion in clean water for 3 days. Remove and wipe out any traces of moisture. Procedure: Place the specimen with flat faces horizontal and mortar filled face, facing upward between two 3- ply plywood sheets each of 3mm thickness and carefully centered between the plates of the testing machine. Apply load axially at a uniform rate of 140 Kgs/Cm2 per minute till the maximum load at which the specimen fails to produce any further increase in the indicator reading on the testing machine. Ex: Load at failure Area Compression Average Compression Sl. No. (Kg) (Cm2) Strength (Kgs/Cm2) Strength (Kgs/Cm2) 1. 10,450 253 41.30 41.40 2. 10,600 253 41.50
Note: The strength of a Brick decreases by about 25% when soaked in water.

24.

Determination of Water Absorption

Object: To determine water absorption of Bricks (APSS 102). Pre-conditioning: Dry the specimen in a ventilated oven at a temperature of 100-110C till a constant weight is obtained. Cool the specimen to room temperature and obtain its dry weight (W1). Procedure: Immerse completely the dried specimen in clean water at temperature of 27 + 5 C for 24 hr. Remove the specimen and wipe out any traces of water with a damp cloth and weigh the specimen (W2). Complete the weighing in 3 minutes after the removal of specimen from water. Water absorption: (W2 W1) x 100 W1 Ex:
S.No 1. 2. 3. Size of Brick (Cm) 23x11x7 23x11x7 23x11x7 Dry weight (g) 2047 2236 1974 Wet weight (g) 2431 2643 2310 Weight of water (g) 384 407 336 Average = % of water Absorption 18.76 18.20 17.02 17.99 %

Note: Water absorption of Bricks after 24hr. immersion shall not be more than 20% by weight.

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