Journal of Transportation Systems

Volume 3 Issue 1

Comparative Study of Asphalt Concrete Using Sand and Stone

Dust
1
Er. Roshan Karki, 2Prof. Gautam Bir SinghTamrakar
1
Scholar, M. Sc. in Transportation Engineering, 2Professor
Civil Engineering Department, Pulchowk Campus, Institute of Engineering (I.O.E.),
Tribhuvan University (T.U.), Kathmandu, Nepal.
Email Id: [email protected]/ [email protected]
2
[email protected]

Abstract
Heavy national investment of each fiscal budget by Government of Nepal in roadway
transportation sector attract significant number of roadway traffic. The rapid booming traffic
growth induces higher axle load on roadway pavement resulting premature pavement
distress which is prime concern for transportation experts. So, to achieve the stable, durable,
intact and flexible pavement resisting and retarding distresses detail study of traffic growth
pattern and paving materials i.e. mixture of aggregates, fillers and binder is essential. This
study is concentrated towards study of paving materials mainly fine aggregates since many
studies and researches have findings that fines plays vital role in strength, performance, and
distress characteristic. Hence, here literature review, laboratory test and data analysis of
paving material collected from Tikabhairab quarry site, Lalitpur, Nepal and sand of Balkhu
Khola are used to prepare three different type of mixes having fines as natural sand, crushed
stone dust and their mixture is done to know the pavement performance characteristic based
on Marshall Testing Method under standard of Standard Specification of Road & Bridge
Works 2073, Department of Roads, Nepal. Based on laboratory test result & Marshall
Curves, it can be concluded that for AC surface coarse having 19mm nominal aggregate size
with 50mm layer thickness entirely crushed stone dust is preferred as fine than mixture of
natural sand & crushed stone dust whereas natural sand is strongly rejected.

Keywords: Marshall Test, Wet Process, Natural Sand, Crushed Stone Dust

INTRODUCTION Pavement is conglomerate of different size

For landlocked country, like Nepal, material. The resultant properties of the
roadway transportation system plays vital pavement hence depend upon individual
role for mobility and economic materials forming composite, their
development. Every year Government of inhabitant properties and interaction of
Nepal heavy investment in transport sector them. So, it is required not only to have
attracts significant number of roadway clear and concise knowledge of soil and
traffic. This rapid booming traffic growth aggregate properties which affects
induces higher axle load on roadway resulting properties such as durability,
pavement resulting premature pavement stability but also on cementing material
distress. (Muniandy et. al., 2013). Many which can be used to enhance pavement
specialists, engineers and researchers are features (Mathew et.al.,2006).
anxious and dedicated to select the paving
material that can curtail pavement distress Flexible and rigid are the pavements
and upgrade the performance of pavements classification based on the structural
(Mohammad et. al., 2006). performance. Pavement having less
flexural strength, transferring wheel load

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 Journal of Transportation Systems
Volume 3 Issue 1

by grain-to-grain contact of aggregate fine particles alter knowingly the

through the granular structure and acting rheological properties of bitumen such as
like flexible sheet is flexible pavement pen value, ductility, and also those of the
whereas pavement acting like a rigid plate mixture, such as resistance to rutting
transferring wheel loads to sub-grade by (Mogawer et al., 1996). Hence, to improve
flexural strength is rigid pavement. the pavement performance, it is
Flexible pavement construction is most compulsion to achieve that adequate &
preferred type of construction all over the satisfactory behavior of the bituminous
world among which bituminous mixes are mixtures, which ultimately depends upon
commonly used option primarily due to pavement composition. Therefore,
their excellent binding characteristics, selecting the proper type of fine in asphalt
water proofing properties and relatively mixtures would improve the mix's
low cost (Lekhan et.al., 2016). In Nepal, properties and, thus, enhance the mixture's
according to Strategic Road Network performance. Hence, the study likes to
(SRN) Length Census 2015/16 of clarify the use of natural sand and crushed
Department of Road, among 12898.20Km fines in asphalt concrete.
of SRN 6823.43 Km is black top which is
52.09% with road density of 8.76 Km/100 PROBLEM DEFINITION
Sq. Km. serving influenced population Asphalt Concrete, the most expensive but
(no. per Km) 2063.92 . extensively used type of densely graded
pavement all over the world. Which will
Strength, stability, flexibility and distress be adequately strong, durable, resistive to
characteristic of bituminous concrete mix fatigue, permanent deformation,
not only depends on single material but environment friendly and economical if a
depends on all the constituent materials good design and quality, as specified,
that are used in the mix design i.e. material in appropriate proportion is used
bitumen, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate for mix. Mineral aggregate constitutes
and filler (Lekhaz et. al., 2016). approximately 90-95% of hot mix asphalt
by weight. Standards and many studies
Many studies and researches have findings recommend the aggregate which are
that fines plays vital role in pavement entirely crushed. But in Nepal, many
performance, strength & distress pavement designers, project managers,
characteristics. They also affect the contractor’s uses natural sand as the fine
workability, moisture sensitivity, stiffness aggregate despite the standards
and ageing characteristics of hot mix recommend using entirely crushed
asphalt (HMA) (Mogawer et al., 1996). aggregate. Many highways with pavement
Fines are material which passing the 2.36 of bituminous concrete faced failure few
mm sieve and retained on the 75-micron months after construction. So, there raise a
sieve which are of varying type depending question among the experts, what’s the
upon graduation, particle shape, surface prime cause of pavement failure too before
area, void content, mineral composition, the design life, isn’t it the use of natural
and physico-chemical properties and, sand? So, this research is oriented towards
therefore, HMA mixture properties have the comparative performance evaluation of
varying influence depending upon fines mixes having entirely natural sand,
properties. The percentage & properties of entirely crushed stone dust and mixture of
fine in HMA mixture increases the surface natural sand and crushed stone dust as the
area of mineral particles which influences fine aggregate by Marshall Test and will
the optimum binder content (OBC) draw conclusion comparing the outputs
consecutively, the surface properties of the with the set standards of DoR-2073.
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 Journal of Transportation Systems
Volume 3 Issue 1

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES DoR-2073 specification. For this study due

The research objective is to have absence of viscosity measuring
comparative study of asphalt concrete instrument/device in Everest Laboratory,
mixes having entirely natural sand, viscosity test is not performed.
entirely crushed stone dust and mixture of
natural sand and crushed stone dust as the LITERATURE REVIEW
fine aggregate. One of most serious and more concerning
The specific objectives of the research are issue of roadway system about asphalt
to: concrete is formation of premature ruts
 Comparative performance and pot holes .Based on the causes of this
characteristics of the bituminous distresses many researches and studies has
mixture containing mixes having been done till the time. During
entirely natural sand, entirely crushed development phase of Marshall Procedure,
stone dust and mixture of natural sand its evaluation shows that for asphalt
and crushed stone dust as the fine concrete mixture fine aggregate controls
aggregate by Marshall Method in terms the capacity to resist traffic induced
of stability, flow, VTM, VMA, bulk stresses causing the ruts. (Benson, F. J.,
density . 1967).
 To determine Optimum Binder Brown (1987) indicated several factors
Content (OBC) contributed to the potential problems that
 Different Marshall Properties at OBC. produce rutting. The factors listed included
 Study the trends of different graphs. excessive asphalt content, excessive use of
natural sand, improperly crushed
SCOPE aggregate, and low field density.
The scope of this research study included a Laboratory studies and field evaluations
review of available literature and existing conducted in the states of Wyoming, New
data, laboratory study on laboratory- Mexico, and Florida also identified
produced samples, and an analysis of the excessive sand-size particles and rounded
data. Asphalt concrete mixture tests that aggregates as two factors that caused
were performed included the Marshall rutting in asphalt concrete pavements.
stability and flow, VMA, VFB are
determined using different fines as natural Ahlrich C. Randy (1996) performed
sand, crushed stone dust. laboratory test of asphalt concrete and
have the conclusion that use of natural
LIMITATION OF THE STUDY sand as fine decreased strength
This study is only performed with single characteristic whereas on replacement of
quarry site material and is tested only in natural sand by crushed sand increased
laboratory due time and budget resistance to permanent deformation. The
constraints. As the samples are prepared in recommended maximum limit for natural
laboratory with high controlled condition sand be 15 percentage, but for maximizing
which result can vary with samples the pavement resistance on rutting all
obtained from field. Similarly, the results crushed aggregate should be used.
shown are only valid for VG 10 viscosity
grade bitumen and aggregate for the Herrin and Goetz (1954) have had done
specific quarry site (i.e. fine aggregate study on the effect of aggregate shape on
from Balkhu Khola, other from the stability of AC mixture. For that they
Tikabhairav site) only conforming to the selected crushed & uncrushed gravel,
specific gradation envelope mentioned in crushed limestone for the coarse
aggregate, and natural sand and crushed
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 Journal of Transportation Systems
Volume 3 Issue 1

limestone sand for the fine aggregate. in angularity or crushed faces increased
After the study, their primary conclusion the Hveem and Marshall Stability values at
was, regardless the type of coarse optimum asphalt content. An increase in
aggregate, strength of asphalt mixture angularity in the fine aggregates also
increased substantially when fine increased the minimum void percentages
aggregate was changed from rounded and increased optimum asphalt contents.
natural sand to crushed limestone.
Whereas, secondary conclusion was that J. R. Benson (1948) is of the opinion that
change in fine aggregate effects more on for bituminous mixtures "when optimum
strength than by the change on coarse one. quantities and consistencies of bitumen are
used, the flexibility will vary with
Wedding and Gaynor (1961) studied the aggregate structure. If the aggregate
effect of aggregate particle shape in well structure is weak, a low resistance to
graded asphalt concrete mixture using deformation will ensue, while too great a
crushed coarse aggregate and fines as stability in the aggregate structure may
natural and washed concrete sand in result in brittleness and low resistance to
varying percentage. Marshall Procedure impact." Benson further states, "In
with different aggregate blending was uniformly graded aggregates, particles are
followed based on aggregate size and of uniformly decreasing size, coarse to fine
gradation. It was found that mixes with to dust. Such aggregate structures have
crushed aggregates produced higher fairly uniform stress distribution.
stability values than mixes with uncrushed,
rounded aggregates. The substitution of all Hveem and Vallerga (1952), in
crushed aggregate for natural sand and discussing relationships between density
gravel also increased the stability and stability of bituminous mixtures,
approximately 45 percent. comment as follows: "Therefore,
According to Lefebvre (1957), the recognizing that interparticle friction is the
foremost requisite of dense –graded type major property that contributes to stability,
of paving mixture for satisfactory it must be recognized that this property is
performance is the use of moderately high largely independent of the contact area
percentage of fine having small percentage between particles. In paving mixtures this
of fine sand. The fine for maximum accounts for the fact that aggregate
stability should have rough surface texture, gradation has little predictable influence
angularity of particles, and gradation while and adequate stability may be developed in
maintaining relatively higher percentage of mixtures composed of a wide variety of
voids in mineral aggregate. particle size combinations."

Griffith and Kallas(1957 & 1958) McLeod (1937) summarize important

researched the effects of aggregate types fundamental consideration in selection of
on void and strength characteristics of aggregate on the basis of aggregate size
asphalt concrete mixtures. Uncrushed and gradation. He had conclusion that
gravel mixtures were found to develop harsh crushed stone on some gradation
voids lower than the voids in crushed when mixed with just sufficient quantity of
aggregates mixtures. They also have asphalt for high compaction produced best
performed study on strength characteristic stability. Uniformly graded aggregate with
based on fine aggregate. So, combinations a sufficient quality of fine sand give
of aggregate mixed with natural and impermeable mix whereas uniformly
crushed coarse aggregate and natural sand graded aggregate is for workability &
fine aggregate were evaluated. An increase freedom for segregation. On-skid surface
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 Journal of Transportation Systems
Volume 3 Issue 1

is produced by large quantity of maximum Button and Perdomo (1990) performed

size aggregate. laboratory study to evaluate the effects of
natural sands on permanent deformation
Campen et al. (1948) review on asphalt and quantify the influence on resistance to
mixture for determining the proper asphalt plastic deformation using natural and
content indicates gradation and surface crushed fine aggregate. Increases in total
area of aggregate main factors. Aggregate deformation occurred as the percentage of
shape and size determines the surface area, natural sand increased. The major factor
larger the aggregate smaller is the surface controlling plastic deformation in asphalt
area for given weight or volume of concrete are texture, shape, and porosity of
aggregate. So, in dense –graded aggregate, the fine aggregate. They recommended
major portion is occurred by fines. This replacing the natural sand material with
principles plays prime role in design manufactured sand to increase the
procedure and specification. resistance of the asphalt concrete
pavement to permanent deformation.
Shklarsky and Livneh (1964) study about Field (1958) conducted the study to know
evaluation between uncrushed and crushed about how the variation of crushed
coarse aggregate combined with natural aggregate percentages affects the asphalt
sand and crushed fine aggregate found that concrete. He found that when uncrushed
there was increase in stability and strength aggregate was replaced by crushed one
properties in Marshall cake when natural stability, voids content and VMA was
sand materials was replaced by crushed increases. This increase in VMA increase
fine aggregate, along with it there was binder content which improves durability
reduced permanent deformation, improved of pavement.
resistance to water, reduced asphalt Grau (1979) have had a field
cement sensitivity, and increased voids. demonstration and have found that
Also, they hadn’t found any significient increase in natural sand and finer sand
increase in properties when uncrushed gradations produced less stable mix. He
coarse aggregate was changed with also show the relation between
crushed one. temperature and traffic as increase in
temperature under traffic pavement is
Kalcheff and Tunnicliff researched the progressively weakened. Also, stability
effect of gradation, shape, and fine was largely decreased when natural gravel
aggregate and mineral filler on asphalt and sand was used together whereas
mixes. Marshall and Hveem procedures increased significantly when a crushed
was followed for the study with aggregate sand was used in place of natural sand.
blends composed of natural and RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
manufactured (crushed) sands. If both the The asphalt concrete mix is prepared by
sand, crushed as well as uncrushed, have blending coarse aggregate, fine aggregate,
similar particle shape than OBC is almost mineral filler and binder in some
same. The optimum asphalt content would proportion as required. The research
be higher if the manufactured sand had objective of mix design is to determine the
more angular particles. Also, asphalt proportion of different aggregates and
mixtures containing crushed coarse and binder for workable, stable, durable,
fine aggregates were more resistant to economical & skid resistance pavement.
permanent deformation from frequent
traffic loadings, and much less susceptible
to the effects of temperature than mixtures
containing natural sand.
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 Journal of Transportation Systems
Volume 3 Issue 1

Paving Bitumen or Binder:

Viscosity grade paving bitumen complying
with the Indian Standard Specification IS:
73 were used.

FIG 1 AGGREGATE COMBINATION

TABLE 1: PROPERTIES OF BITUMEN

Source of Bitumen : India
Company –NBPU (Inden)
Laboratory for Test: Everest Laboratory Pvt. Ltd ,Kathmandu
Observed Value Paving Grade Method of Test
SN Specification
VG10 Ref to
Penetration, at 25o C,100g, 5s, NS:221:2047
i 92 80
0.1 mm, Min (Part III)/ IS: 1203
Softening point (R&B), °C,
ii 57 40 NS / IS: 1205.
Min
NS: 237:2049
Flash point (Cleveland open
iii 319 220 (Part VII)/ IS:
cup ), °C, Min
1448-69
NS: 221:2046
iv Ductility at 25oC, cm Min 92 75
(Part I)/ IS: 1208
v Specific gravity 1.02 IS : 1202

Aggregate Coarse aggregate

 Clean and dry aggregates are necessary The coarse aggregates shall consist of
for adhesion (no dust, no water) crushed rock, crushed gravel or other hard
 Interlocking nature creates internal material retained on 2.36 mm sieve. They
friction which is important to the long- shall be clean, hard, and durable, of
term properties of the asphalt concrete. cubical shape, free from dust and soft or
 Angular shape aggregates 50-80% with friable matter, organic or other deleterious
2 angular faces substances The aggregates shall satisfy the
For the test, fine aggregate from requirements specified in Table Where
Balkhu Khola, other from Tikabhairav crushed gravel is proposed for use as
quarry site, Lalitpur, Nepal was taken, aggregate, not less than 90 percent by
which are heated before weighing for weight of the crushed material retained on
sample preparation. the 4.75 mm sieve shall have at least two
fractured faces (DoR).

TABLE 2: PROPERTIES OF AGGREGATE

DoR Specification
SN Description of Test Test Method Test Result Observed
Limit
1 Los Angeles Abrasion Test IS : 2386 Part 4 29.3% Max 35%
2 Aggregate Impact value IS : 2386 Part 4 26.72% Max 27%

Fine aggregate retained on the 75-micron sieve which

Fine aggregates are the minerals particles may be crushed or naturally occurring
which passing the 2.36 mm sieve and mineral clean, durable ,hard, dry material,

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 Journal of Transportation Systems
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or a combination of the two which shall be value of not less than 50 when tested in
and free from dust, and soft or friable accordance with the requirement of IS:
matter, organic or other deleterious matter. 2720 (Part 37). The plasticity index of the
Natural sand shall not be allowed in binder fraction passing the 0.425 mm sieve shall
courses. However, natural sand up to 50 not exceed 4, when tested in accordance
percent of the fine aggregate may be with IS: 2720 (Part
allowed in base courses. The fine 5) (DoR).
aggregate shall have a sand equivalent

GRADATION OF AGGREGATES FOR TRAIL MIXES

110

100
CUMULATIVE % BY WEIGHT OF TOTAL

90
AGGREGATE PASSING

80Trail Mix Trail Mix Trail Mix DoR Limit DoR Limit

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
0.01 0.1 1 10 100
SIEVE SIZE (MM)

FIG 2: GRADATION OF AGGREGATES FOR TRAIL MIXES

Mineral Filler mechanical and colloidal suspension.

A filler is fraction of an inert mineral dust Excess quantity of filler tends to increase
passing the 200-mesh sieve in a stability, brittleness, and proclivity to
bituminous mixture which perform several cracking. Deficiency of filler tends to
functions. One function is that of filling increase void content, lower stability, and
voids in coarser aggregates, which soften the mix. Here sand and stone dust is
increases the density, stability, and used as filler.
toughness of a conventional bituminous
paving mixture. Another is to form filler- Grading Requirements
asphalt mastic with dust particles either Trial and error method was performed for
may be individually coated with asphalt or the aggregate gradation. Gradation was
are incorporated into the asphalt in achieved by varying the percentage of

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 Journal of Transportation Systems
Volume 3 Issue 1

different group of aggregate as in table 3, sample must lies within the given standard
grouped on particle size distribution. Trial limit but again the standard range is quite
and Error of percentage of group was done wide so for high performance the
until the gradation lies within the required gradation line should be in middle range of
or specified specification. The aggregate standard one. Here in this study, the
gradation used in this study is gradation of all three combinations
Specification of Standard Specifications of resembles the path as is of standard
Road and Bridge Works, 2073 of limiting value and are approximately in
Department of Road. For good performing middle range shown in figure 2.
asphalt concrete the gradation of the tested

TABLE 3: GRADATION OF AGGREGATES FOR TRAIL MIXES

DoR Grading for
Cumulative % by weight of total aggregate passing grading 1
Sieve
aggregate
size(mm)
Sand 4.75mm stone dust 1.18 down 1.18 mm Lower Upper
20mm 10mm
down 4.75mm down stone dust down sand Limit Limit
26.5 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
19 80 100 100 100 100 100 90 100
13.2 38.99 100 100 100 100 100 59 79
9.5 33.96 83.13 100 100 100 100 52 72
4.75 23 11.56 92.3 93.5 100 100 35 55
2.36 9.71 7.8 86.6 83.1 100 100 28 44
1.18 7.07 4.87 68.5 60.4 60.5 65.5 20 34
0.6 6.21 3.87 47.9 50.2 47.9 45.8 15 27
0.3 5.33 3.06 20 41.8 36.8 17.2 10 20
0.15 4.23 2.38 7.6 32.88 26.1 4.9 5 13
0.075 1.92 1.28 4.9 24.63 3.6 1.5 2 8
Combination of tested mix
Only Sand
40 25 17 0 0 18
(%)
Only Dust
37 33 0 15 15 0
(%)
Mix(Sand+
35 30 20 15 0 0
Dust)(%)

Wet Mix Design present form of Marshall Mix design

Wet mix design is done after dry mix method is the modified outcomes by the
design where optimum binder content U.S Army Corps of Engineers in 1943.
(OBC) is determined. Among different wet The main purpose of Marshall Method is
mix design, which vary in size of test to determine the optimum binder content
specimen, compaction and other (OBC) for a particular aggregates blending
specifications, Marshall Method of mix and roadway traffic level which is the
design is the most popular one and is ability of a mix to satisfy stability, flow,
followed here. and volumetric properties (Vasavi K.,
2002). The Marshall Stability and flow are
Marshall Mix design the prime properties whose test provides
Bruce Marshall, formerly the Bituminous the performance prediction measure for
Engineer this method.
with the Mississippi State Highway
Department, developed the original The stability portion is the maximum load
concept of the Marshall Method of supported by the test specimen at a loading
designing asphalt pavements. But, the rate of 50.8 mm/minute. Load is applied to

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 Journal of Transportation Systems
Volume 3 Issue 1

the specimen until it fails, so the maximum Theoretical specific gravity of the mix
load at which specimen fails is designated Gt
as stability. During the loading, an Theoretical specific gravity Gt is the
attached dial gauge measures the specific gravity without considering air
specimen’s plastic flow (deformation) due voids, and is given by:
to the loading. The flow value is recorded
in 0.25 mm (0.01 inch) increments at the
same time when the maximum load is
recorded. The important steps involved in where, W1 is the weight of coarse
marshal mix design are summarized next. aggregate in the total mix, W2 is the weight
of fine aggregate in the total mix, W3 is the
Specimen preparation: weight of filler in the total mix, Wb is the
Aggregates and filler are heated to a weight of bitumen in the total mix, G1 is
temperature of 175−190oC. Bitumen is the apparent specific gravity of coarse
heated to a pouring temperature of aggregate, G2 is the apparent specific
121−125oC. Calculated amount of each gravity of fine aggregate, G3 is the
ingredients are weighted first for the trail apparent specific gravity of filler and Gb is
mix of 4.5 % and thoroughly mixed at a the apparent specific gravity of bitumen.
temperature of 154 − 160o C. The mix is
placed in a preheated mould of standard Bulk specific gravity of mix Gm
size and compacted by a rammer with 75 The bulk specific gravity or the actual
blows on either side. After compaction, specific gravity of the mix Gm is the
Marshall Cake is extracted out of mould specific gravity considering air voids and
and is left for setting for 24 hours. Then is found out by:
after same process is followed for
preparation of other sample. For this test 3
samples for each bitumen contain was Where, Wm is the weight of mix in air, Ww
prepared. For one curve 15 samples are is the weight of mix in water, Note that Wm
prepared and along the study altogether 45 −Ww gives the volume of the mix.
samples are prepared. Sometimes for accurate bulk specific
gravity, during the weighing action in the
After 24 hours, all the prepared samples water the specimen is covered with thin
thickness, weight in air, submerged weight film of paraffin wax. This, consider the
was taken. Then are kept 30 minutes in 60o weight and volume of wax in calculation.
C hot water bath. After that sample are
taken from water bath and kept in breaking Air voids percent VTM or Vv
head of Marshal Machine for recording the Air voids VTM or Vv is the percent of air
stability and flow. Finally calculation is voids by volume in the specimen and is
performed as below: given by:

Properties of the mix

The properties that are of interest include Where, Gt is the theoretical specific gravity
the theoretical specific gravity Gt, the bulk of the mix and Gm is the bulk or actual
specific gravity of the mix Gm, percent air specific gravity of the mix.
voids VTM, percent volume of bitumen Vb,
percent void in mixed aggregate VMA and Voids in mineral aggregate VMA
percent voids filled with bitumen VFB. Voids in mineral aggregate V MA is the
volume of voids in the aggregates, and is

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 Journal of Transportation Systems
Volume 3 Issue 1

the sum of air voids and volume of strain (5 cm per minute). While the
bitumen, and is calculated from stability test is in progress dial gauge is
VMA = Vv + Vb used to measure the vertical deformation
of the specimen. The deformation at the
Voids filled with bitumen VFB failure point expressed in units is called
Voids filled with bitumen VFB is the voids the Marshall Flow value of the specimen.
in the mineral aggregate frame work filled
with the bitumen, and is calculated as: Apply stability correction
The standard thickness of sample is
VFB= (%VMA-%VTM) / %VMA 63.5mm but during specimen preparation
Or as it is manual process, all the specimen
may or may not have same thickness as
63.5mm.Therefore, measured stability
values need to be corrected to those which
would have been obtained if the specimens
Determine Marshall Stability and Flow
had been exactly 63.5 mm. This is done by
Marshall Stability is the maximum load
multiplying each measured stability value
produce during failure of the specimen
by an appropriated correlation factors as
which is preheated to a prescribed
given in Table below.
temperature and placed in a special test
head and applied the load at a constant

TABLE 4: MARSHALL THICKNESS CORRECTION FACTOR

Volume of Thickness
Correction
specimen of specimen
Factor
(cm3) ( mm )
457 - 470 57.1 1.19
471 - 482 68.7 1.14
483 - 495 60.3 1.09
496 - 508 61.9 1.04
509 - 522 63.5 1.00
523 - 535 65.1 0.96
536 - 546 66.7 0.93
547 - 559 68.3 0.89
560 - 573 69.9 0.86

Prepare graphical plots Determine optimum bitumen content

The average value of the above properties Optimum binder content is determined
is determined for each mix with different corresponding to maximum stability,
bitumen content and the following maximum unit weight, and to appropriate
graphical plots are prepared: percentage of voids in total mix and
 Binder content versus corrected aggregates void filled with binder .The
Marshall Stability. design binder content is taken as the
 Binder content versus Marshall Flow. average of these four values.
 Binder content versus percentage of
void (Vv) in the total mix. Comparison of sample parameters with
 Binder content versus voids filled with the given specification
bitumen (V FB). It is very usual that the sample with
 Binder content versus unit weight or selected OBC may not meet the
bulk specific gravity (Gm). requirements such as stability, %VTM,
%VFB. The parameters are compared with

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 Journal of Transportation Systems
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the specification of the bituminous mix all the requirements the mix design is over
required for the work, for this study and if not the mix is redesigned with using
specification of DoR. If the sample meets new aggregates.

TABLE 5: MARSHALL PROPERTIES AS PER DOR 2073

Viscosity Grade Paving
Properties Test Method
Bitumen
Properties 75 blows on each face of the specimen
Minimum stability
9.0 AASHTO T245
(kN at 60 oC)
Marshall flow (mm) 2-4 AASHTO T245
% air voids 3-5
% Voids Filled with
65-75
Bitumen (VFB)
% Voids in Mineral Minimum percent voids in mineral aggregate (VMA) are set out in
Aggregate (VMA) Table below

T ABLE 6: VMA STANDARD AS PER DOR 2073

Nominal Maximum Minimum VMA Percent Related to
Particle Size (mm) Design Percentage Air voids
3.0 4.0 5.0
26.5 11.0 12.0 13.0
37.5 10.0 11.0 12.0

LABORATORY TESTS RESULTS, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

Table 7: OBTAINED SPECIFIC GRAVITY

Size of Material Obtained Specific Gravity
20mm down 2.72
10mm down 2.75
Natural Sand 4.75 mm down 2.62
Stone Dust 4.75 mm down 2.59
Natural Sand 1.18 mm down 2.54
Stone Dust 1.18 mm down 2.61

T ABLE 8: OBTAINED MARSHALL PROPERTIES

Corr. Stability
BC (%) Gm (gm/cc) VTM (%) VMA (%) VFB (%) Flow(mm )
(KN)
4.5
Sand Only 2.279 9.134 18.154 49.690 11.104 5.100
Dust Only 2.379 4.755 14.400 64.987 17.537 2.700
Mix 2.391 4.507 13.576 66.81 17.235 2.867
5
Sand Only 2.286 8.167 18.713 54.352 15.479 5.267
Dust Only 2.393 3.488 14.095 75.315 18.608 3.130
Mix 2.406 3.175 13.646 76.763 18.286 4.033
5.5
Sand Only 2.284 7.541 19.358 61.048 12.555 6.467
Dust Only 2.390 2.884 14.414 80.102 18.977 3.467
Mix 2.413 2.168 14.500 85.133 17.848 4.447
6
Sand Only 2.279 7.075 19.789 64.237 11.204 6.567
Dust Only 2.379 2.601 15.68 83.484 17.676 4.333
Mix 2.411 1.524 14.938 89.821 13.073 5.667
6.5
Sand Only 2.276 6.500 20.434 68.203 10.470 6.667

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Dust Only 2.367 2.367 16.85 86.026 10.383 5.750

Mix 2.403 1.082 16.040 93.391 10.072 6.833
DoR S.S. 3-5 12 65-75 9 2-4

Binder Content Vs Bulk Unit Weight

Bulk Unit Weight (gm/cc) 2.41

2.39

2.37

2.35 Only Sand

2.33 Only Dust

Mix
2.31

2.29

2.27
4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5
Binder Content %
FIG 3: BINDER CONTENT VS BULK UNIT WEIGHT

The nature of all three curves are as usual only sand type sample but is relatively low
i.e. rising to attend peak and falling later for only dust type sample with respective
on. Bulk unit weight for mix type samle is peaks of 2.29 gm/cc and 2.3935 gm/cc at
highest for all BC with peak at 2.413 5.1%.
gm/cc at 5.5% whereas its very low for

Binder Content Vs VTM

9

6
VTM %

5
Sand Only
4 Dust Only
3 Mix

1
4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5
Binder Content %
FIG 4: BINDER CONTENT VS VTM

Though the nature of curves are as usual only dust & mix type sample lies within
only the certain percentage of curve for the standard limit. For only sand type

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sample up to 6.5% BC the curve doesn’t type & mix type samples are 8.395%,
lies within the standard limit. Hence, BC 4.8% & 4.67% respectively.
for 4% VTM for only sand type, only dust

Binder Content Vs VFB

92.5

87.5

82.5

77.5
VFB %

72.5

67.5

62.5
Sand Only
57.5
Dust Only
52.5 Mix

47.5
4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5
Binder Content %
FIG 5: BINDER CONTENT VS VFB

Nature of all curves are as usual .For only higher BC. For 70% VFB corresponding
dust type sample, VFB lies within the BC for only sand, only dust and mix type
standard limit at lower binder content sample are 6.62%, 4.8% & 4.65%
whereas for only sand type sample it’s for respectively.

Binder Content Vs VMA

20.5

19.5

18.5 Sand Only

Dust Only
17.5
VMA %

Mix

16.5

15.5

14.5

13.5
4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5
Binder Content %

FIG 6: BINDER CONTENT VS VMA

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Nature of all curves are as usual and are for only sand type sample have higher than
higher than minimum limit of 12% .VMA others.

Binder Content Vs Marshall

Stability
19

18

17
Stability (KN)

16

15
Sand Only
14 Dust Only
13 Mix

12

11

10
4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5
Bitumen Content (%)
FIG 7: BINDER CONTENT VS STABILITY

Nature of all curves are as usual. All flatter and convex peak than other.
values are above standard minium value of Maximum stability for only sand, only
9KN in spite of that ACV and AIV lies dust & mix type samples are 15.5 KN,
marginal at upper limit of specification. 19KN & 18.45KN with corresponding BC
Here only dust type mix have higher, more of 5.13%,5.36% & 5.25% respectively.

Binder Content Vs Flow

6
Flow (mm)

Sand Only
3 Dust Only
Mix
2
4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5
Binder Content (%)

F IG 8: BINDER CONTENT VS FLOW

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As flow value are increasing with only dust type sample have as usual
increasing binder content but curves for nature.

TABLE 9: OBC CALCULATION

Only Only Mix
Sand Dust Type Standard Limit for DoR
Max. stability (KN) at
15.5 19 18.45 9
60°C
Corresponding Binder
5.03 5.36 5.25
Content (%)

VTM (%) 4 4 4 3 to 5
Corresponding Binder
8.395 4.8 4.67
Content (%)

Max. Bulk Unit Weight

2.29 2.3935 2.413
(gm/cc)
Corresponding Binder
5.1 5.1 5.5
Content (%)

VFB (%) 70 70 70 65-75

Corresponding Binder
6.62 4.8 4.65
Content (%)

Optimum Binder Content

6.28625 5.015 5.0175
(OBC)(%)
Marshall Properties at OBC
Stability (KN) at OBC at
10.75 18.5 18.3
60°C 9
Flow at OBC 6.65 3.13 4.1 2 to 4
Max. Bulk Unit Weight
2.277 2.393 2.407
(gm/cc) at OBC
VTM (%) for at OBC 6.8 3.5 3.1 3 to 5
Min 12 for 26.5mm max.
VMA(%) at OBC 20.2 14.1 13.7
particle size at 4% VTM
VFB(%) at OBC 66.25 75 77.4 65-75

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F IG 9: BULK UNIT WEIGHTS AT OBC

Bulk unit weight (gm/cc) at OBC for mix nearly equal which are greater than for
type sample and only dust type sample are only sand type sample.

F IG 10: VTM AT OBC

VTM at OBC is beyond the maximum limit. Only dust sample is in between the
limit for only sand type sample whereas standard range.
mix type sample just crosses the minimum

F IG 11: VFB AT OBC

VFB for mix sample is beyond the is nearly at lower limit for only sand type
standard range of 65-75%. It’s just at sample.
upper limit for only dust type sample and

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F IG 12: VMA AT OBC

VMA at OBC for 26.5mm particle size at 12% VMA value for only sand type
4% VTM are above the minimum value of sample is much more greater than other.

F IG 13: STABILITY AT OBC

All value of stability (KN) at OBC at 60°C equal value whereas for only sand type it
are above the standard limit of 9 KN. Mix is close to minium limit.
type & only dust type samples have nearly

F IG 14: STABILITY AT OBC

Flow at OBC for only dust type of sample From the test result of three different
is only within the standard limit of 2-4. As samples which are sample having only
flow for only sand type sample is very natural sand, only crushed stone dust and
high it shows of unstability of AC due to sample with mixture of above two under
higher flexibility/plasticity. the specification of DoR -2073 following
results are drawn:
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

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 Journal of Transportation Systems
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 In spite of ACV and AIV having mixture having natural sand & crushed
value marginal at upper limit of stone dust as per the gradation envelope of
specification, all stabilities are well DOR -2073 using Marshall Method. Based
enough above the limiting value. on laboratory test result, it can be
 VTM % for sand sample is high concluded that for AC surface coarse
beyond the limiting upper value. At having 19mm nominal aggregate size with
4% VTM, BC for only sand type, 50mm layer thickness entirely crushed
only dust type & mix type samples stone dust is preferred as fine than mixture
are 8.395%, 4.8% & 4.67% of natural sand & crushed stone dust
respectively. This variation may be whereas natural sand is strongly rejected.
due to the surface characteristic of
particles. FUTURE SCOPE
 Bulk unit weight for only sand type The study use sample from single quarry
sample is low for every bitumen site and test in laboratory under Marshall
percentage, this may be due less Testing Method and analyzed the result.
compatible nature of sand. Low Hence, sample from different quarry site
density result high VMA % with different testing procedure can be use
making the sample highly porous and also verify through field test.
sample.
 Flow characteristic for only dust ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
type sample is only within the I would like to express my very profound
prescribed limit. gratitude to my parents, brother, sisters
 OBC % for this three samples only and to my spouse, professors, program co-
sand type, Only dust type and mix ordinate sir, Everest laboratory & its entire
type samples are 6.28% , 5.015% staffs, all my colleagues, entire Civil
,5.0175% respectively . Here, only Engineering Department and all other
sand type sample is far more helping hands for providing me with
expensive whereas only dust and trustworthy support and endless inspiration
mix type are nearly same range throughout my years of study and through
based on binder content. the process of researching and writing this
 VFB % lies within the standard thesis. This accomplishment would not
limit, at lower BC for the sample have been possible without them &
having only dust whereas it’s for evergreen support then & now. Thank you.
higher BC for sample having only
sand. At 70% VFB corresponding REFERENCES
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