Soundness Test

itffRODUCTION
soundness teS t is i~tended ~o study the resistance of coarse and fine aggregates to weathering action. In th e
abse~~e ~f ade~uate mfo_rmallon from P~~ormance studies, a la_boratory test simulating accelerated weathering
condition is earned out to Judge the ~urab1hty or the soundness of the coarse aggregates. This chapter covers the
1ab6ratory test _procedure to determm~ the resistance to disintegration of the coarse aggregates using satura~ed
solution of sodium sulphate or magnesium sulphate, as per the BIS.

Apparatus
The_ apparatus r~uired for the test _are containers for aggregates, sieves, balance device for temperatur~
regulation and a d'X'ng oven. The c?nta,ners may be made with suitable perforations or with wire mesh tb permit
free access and drainage of the solution from the sample. IS test sieves having square opening~ and of sizes 4.75,
s.o, 10.0, 12.5, 16.0, 20.0, 25.0, 31.0, 40.0, 50.0, 63.0 and 80.0 mm to sieve the coarse aggregates; balance of
capacity 5 kg to weigh accurate to at least 1 g ; thermostatically controlled bath for regulating the temperature of the
samples at 27°C during immersion with salt solution ; a thermostatically controlled drying oven maintained at
temperature 105°C to 110°C and having an average rate of evaporation of at least 25 g per hour.

Preparation of test sample

The test sample of coarse aggregate may be prepared after removing the fraction finer than 4.75 mm IS sieve.
The sample should be of such a size that it will yield not less than the following amounts of different sizes, which
should be available in amounts of 5 percent or more.

Sieve size. of sample (with square holes) and quantity I weight

(i) 10 to 4.75 mm-300JJ

(ii) 20 to 10.0 mm - 1000 g: consisting of 12.5 to 10 mm -33 % and 20 to 12.5 mm -67 %
(iii) 40 to 20 mm - 1500 g : consisting of 25- to 20 mm - 33 % and 40 to 25 mm - 67 %
(iv) 63 mm to 40 mm - 3000 g : consisting of 50 to 40 mm - 50 % and 63 to 50 mm - 50 %
(v) 80 mm and larger sizes by 20 mm spread in each sieve size : each fraction - 3000 g

Procedure

Saturated solution.of Sodium Sulphate (the anhydrous Na2SO4 or the crystalline Na2S04 10H20) is prepared
in water at a temperature of 250c to 30°c. It should be ensured that the solution is saturated and excess salt is
present. The solution is maintained at a temperature of 27°C'± 2°C and stirred at frequent intervals until it is
used. At the time of using the solution should h~ ve a specific gravity of not less than 1.151 and not gr~ater than
1.174 and discoloured solution should not be used: It may be necessary to use not less than 420 g of anhydrous
salt or 1300 g of the crystalline decahydrate salt per litre of water.
Alternatively ;aturated solution of magnesium sulphate may be pr~pared b~ dissolving ~ither anhydrous
(Mg SO ) or crystalline (Mg so . 1H2O) magnesium sulphate. At the time of using, the solution should have a .1
4 4
specific gravity of not less than 1.295 and not more than 1.308. Not less than 400 g of the anhydrous salt or 1600
gof t_
he c~stalline hepta hydrate may be used per litre of water.
 The sar,:iple of coarse aggregate should be thoroughly washed and dried to a constant weight t
110°C an~ 1s ~epar~ted to different size ranges, as given above, by sieving. The proper weight of the\ 10s0 c to
each fraction Is weighed and placed in separate containers for the test In the case of fraction coa ample 1~
. · rser th vr
mm the .particles are also counted. The samples are immersed in the prepared solution of sodium an ~0
magnesium sul~hate for 16 to 18 hours in such a manner that the solution covers them to a depth ofsut'Phate or
mm. The containers are kept covered to reduce evaporation and during the period of immersion, the tea least , 5
of the solution is maintained at 27°C ± 1°C. mperature

After the imm~rsion perio~, th~ aggregates are removed from the solution , drained for about 15 minut
placed in the drying oven maintained at a temperature of 105°C to 110°C. The samples are dried to a es, and
weight at this temperature by checking the weights after 4 hours up to 18 hours. When the successiv/on~tan1
differ by less than 1 g, it may be considered that constant weights have been attained and then it may be ~~ 19hts
to cool to room temperature. Then the aggregates are again immersed in the prepared solution, for the ne~ owed
of immersion and drying. The number of cycles of alternate immersion and drying are decided by prior agre cycle
before the_purchase. . ernent

After ~ompletion of t~e final cycle, t~e sample is cooled w~shed .free fror,:i th~ sulphate. This may b
determined when ~tJ!=)re Is no more reaction of the wash water with barium chloride (1.e. when there is no wh· e
precipitation when barium chloride i_s added _to wash water, it can be said that there is no sulph~te with wa:~
water). Each fraction of the sample Is then dried to constant temperature of 105°C to 110°C and weighed. Duri
the accelerated weathering test cycles, some portion of coarse aggregates get disintegrated. After the specifi;~
cycles of test, the aggregates of different siz~s are sieved through specified set of IS sieves (indicated below) in
order to find the loss in weight due to weathering. ·

Sieve size used to

Size of aggregate
determine loss
63 to 40 mm 31.5 mm
40 to 20 mm 16.0 mm
2Oto1Omm 8.0mm
10 to 4.75 mm 4.0mm

Each fraction of aggregate is examined visually to see if there is any evidence of excessive splitting, crumbling
or disintegration of the grains. A combined sieve anal~s!s of all_ t~ mat_e ri~ls ~ubjected to the above test cycles,
may also be carried out to note the variation from the original grain size distribution of the sample. ·

Results

The results should be reported giving the following particulars :

(a) Type of solution used for the test.

(b) Weight of each fraction of sample before test.

(c) Material from each fraction of the sample passing through the specified IS sieve, expressed as a
percentage by weight of the fraction .

(d) Weighted average calculated from the percentage loss for each fraction based on the·grading of lhe rf n
10
sample as received for examination or, preferably on the average grading of thet .rnaterial from the po
of supply of which the sample is representative. -

(e) In the case of particles coarser than 20 mm size before the test the number of particles in each fracti~;- g
_ before test and the number of particles affected classified 'as to the number disintegrating, sph ,n
crumbling cracking, flaking etc. ·

p. recommended form for recording of data is given in Table 13 .1 with illustrative test values .
 Table 13.1 Soundness test data for coarse aggregates

'51eve size, mm _G_rading of Weight of test Percentage passing Weighted average

original sample fractions before specified finer sieve (corrected percent
pas;sing Retained percent test, g after test (actual loss)
qercent loss)
2 3 4 /

5 6=5x3
20
40 20.0 3000 4.8 48x -=0.96
63 . 100
45.0 3.60
~o 20 1500 8.0
2.20
\_...-20 10 23.0 1000 9.6
-10 4.75 12.0 300 11.2 1.34
100.0 5800 8.10
Total
c.c---

Discussion
. If the samples contains less than % of any of the sizes specified under procedure that size sho~ld no~ be
tested; but for the p_urpose of calculating the test result, it shall be considered to have the same loss in sodium
sulphate or mag~esi1Jm sulpha~e treatment as the average of the next smaner or i:iext larger size. -If on~ of the~e
siZeS is absent, it may be considered to have the same loss as the next larger or 'next_smaller.sizes whichever is
present. When the 20 to 1~ mm, 40 to 20 mm or ~3 to 4~ mm test samples specified cannot be prepared due to
u,e absence of one or two sizes of aggregate, the size available may be used to prepare the sample.·

APPiication of Soundness Test

The soundness test is useful to asse&li the resistance of the aggregate to weathering. For cement concrete
likely to be exposed to the action of frost, coarse.and fine aggregates should pass an accelerated soundness test
specified above. The limits for t_~e test results are set by agreement between the purchaser and the supplier.
However the aggregates which fail in the accelerated soundness test may be used if they pass a specified freeze-
tt,aw test satisfactory to the user.
As a general guide, it may be taken that the average loss of weight after 10 cycles should not exceed 12
percent when tested with sodium sulphate and 18 percent when tested with magnesium sulphate.

Indian Roads· Congress has specified the maximum permissible loss in weight in soundness test after five ·
cycles as, 12 percent with sodium sulphate and 18 percent with magnesium sulphate, for the aggregate to be
used in bituminous binder course and surfacing of road pavements. · -

SELECTED REFERENCES
1. Bureau of Indian Standards, Indian Standard Methods of Test for Aggregates for Concrete, Soundness,
IS : 2386 (Part V) - 1963 (Reaffirmed 1997)
2. Bureau of Indian Standards, Indian Standards Specification for Coarse and Fine Aggregates from Natural
sources for concrete IS : 383 ·
3. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Specifications for Road and Bridge Works, Fourth Revision,
Indian Roads Congress, New Delhi
4. Indian Roads Congress, Specification for pense Bituminous Macadam IRC : 94

5. Indian Roads Congress, Recommended Practice for 2 cm thick Bitumen and Tar Carpets, IRC : 14 _
2004 (Third Revision)

QUESTIONS

1· What do you mean by soundness test on aggregates ?

 2. What is the necessity of testing the durability of aggregate in laboratory ?

3. What are the salts usually used in the soundness test for aggregates ?

4. Which of the two salts - Sodium sulphate' or magnesium sulphate, gives a higher loss in weight aft
cycles of the soundness test ? er 'n•

OBSERVATION SHEET

Table 13.2 Results of soundness test

Type of reagent used:

Type of coarse aggregate sample : Number of cycles :

Sieve size, mm Percentage Weighted

Grading of Weight of test
passing finer sieve average
Retained original sample, fraction before test,
Passing after test (actual (corrected
on percent g
percent loss) percent loss)
1 2 3 4 5 6

60 40
- 40 20

20 10

10 4.75
Number of particles coarser than 20 mm
before test Number of particles affected, classified as the number
Number before disintegrating, splitting, crumbling, cracking or flaking
Passing Retained
test
40mm 20mm
I

60mm 40mm

Remarks:
 Stripping Value of Road Aggregates

itifRooucr10N
Billlrllen and tar adh~re _wel~ to all normal types of aggregates provided they are ,dry and are not excepti~nally
. The process of b1nd1ng is contro~led la~gely by the viscosity of the binder. When the viscosity of the b1n?er
?
dU~~h, coati~g of aggregates by th e In cter is slower. In the absence of water there is practically no adh_esio~
is blerll in bituminous roa~ ~onstructIon. Two problems are observed due to the presence of water. First, if
pro regale is w~t and cold, 11 is normally not possible to coat with a bituminous binder. This problem can be ?~alt
a99 bY removing the wat~r fi!m 0.n ~he aggregate by drying or by heating and by increasing th~ mixing
withperature. Second problem is stnpping of coated binder or detachment of a portion of bitumen coating from
: aggregate d~e to ~he presence of water. :his problem of stripping is experienced when the bitu_mino~s
avement layer is su_bJected to prolonged soaking under water and stripping problem is more predominant rn
~itlJminous mixes which are permeable to water.

The strippi~g i~ due to the fact _that.those agg_regates have greater affinity towards water than with ~ituminous
binders and this displacement of bItum1nous coating from the aggregates depends on the physico-chem1cal .~orces
acting on the s_ ystem . ~ost road stones have surfaces that are electrically charged. As an example silica. a
common constituent of. Ig~eous rock po_ssesses . a weak negative charge and hence these have a greater
attraction with the polar liquid water than with bituminous binder having little polar activity.

In order to ascertain the suitability of coarse aggregates for bituminous road construction, it is desirable to
study the stripping or displacement characteristics of the binder from the aggregates, by water. Several
laboratory tests have been developed to arbitrarily determine the adhesion of b!!!Jminous binder to an aggregate
in the presence of water. These tests may be classified into six types (i) Sfatic immersion tests (ii) Dynamic
immersion tests (iii) Chemical immersion tests (iv) Immersion mechanical tests (v) Immersion trafficking tests and
(vi) Coating tests.
The static imrnersion test is very commonly used as it is easy and simple. The principle of this type of test is
immersing aggregates coated with binder, in water and estimating the degree of stripping of the bituminous
binder. A stripping test method has been developed by the Road Research laboratory (RRL) England.
The method of test for assessing the stripping value of coarse aggregates coated with bitumen or tar has been
standardised by the BIS and this test has been presented in this chapter.

STRIPPING VALUE OF ROAD AGGREGATES

Apparatus

Thermostatically controlled water bath, beaker, mixer etc.

Procedure
. This _method covers the procedure for determining the stripping value of coarse- aggregates by static
Im~ers1on method, when bitumen and tar binders are used. 200 g of dry and clean aggregates passing 20 mm
IS sieve and retained on 12.5 mm sieve are heated up to 15O°C when these are to be mixed with bitumen and the
~ggregates are heated 1OO°c when these are to be mixed with tar. Five percent by ~eight of bitumen binder is
eated to 16O°C (11O0c in the case of tar binder). The aggregate and binder are mixed thoroughly till they are
completely coated and mixture is transferred to a 500 ml beaker and allowed to cool at room temperature for
7
~~out two hours. Distilled water is then added to immerse the coated aggr gates. The bea~er is covered and
h pt in a water-bath maintained at 4O°c taking care that the level of water 1n the water-bath 1s at least half the
s::ght of_the beaker. After 24 hours the beaker is_ taken out, cooled at room temperature and the extent of
PPing Is estimated visually while the specimen is still under water.
 Results

The shipping value7slhe ratiO of the uncovered area observed visually to the total area of aggregat .
test, expressed as a percentage. The mean of three results is reported as stripping value of ~s 1n each
aggregates and is expressed as the nearest whole number. e tested
Discussion

The visual assessment of stripping value is more subjective and rryay lead to poor reproducibility.
_test gives an idea of how a mixtu! ~ of ~gregates and binder may behave in presence of water. 8ut Still the

Attempts hav~ b~n made to improve the test by adopting ~!her method~ of as_sessing the uncovered ar
the degree of stripping. One of the approaches is by measuring the quantity of light reflected by the s ea or
coated ag~r~ates before and after immersion in water. The degree ~f stripping m_ay also be rnec~~~le of
measured 1nd1rect1y by measuring the change in a mechanical property like compressive strength or a nica11y
stren_glh lest. The reduction in strength gives an indication of the extent of damage due to irnrnerny 0ther
s~en of _bituminous mix in the water. It is reported that the adhesion test results are not always reli~~~g the
the point of view of field performance. · from

Application of Stripping Test

. ~e ~es of aggregates have lesser affinity with bitumen than with water and hence stripping of
bituminous binder occurs when the bituminous mix is kept immersed in water. The problem of stripping in c e
~greg~tes is not so amenable to theoretical treatment. Thus an adhesion test such as the sirnpte ed
f
. rmme~1on le~ or the stripping test would be suitable to assess whether the binder would adhere to the ag'gre a~c
when 1mmersed' in water. Several anti-stripping agents are available, which when used with the bituminous9~.8
could reduce the stripping. 1x

ln9ian .Roads Congress (IRC) and MORTH have specified the allowable limits of stripping test values for the
aggregates to be used in bituminous road construction. IRC has specified the maximum stripping value as
percent for aggregates to be used in bituminous construction like surface dressing, bituminous macadam and 25
bitumen mastic. The maximum stripping value suggested by IRC is 10 % for aggregates used in open graded
premix carpet. If the stripping value exceeds the specified value, use of anti-stripping agents are recommended.

SELECTED REFERENCES

1. Bureau of Indian Standards, Indian Standard Method for Determination of Stripping Value of Road
Aggregates, IS : 6241 -1971 (Reaffirmed 1998)

2. Road Research Laboratory, Bituminous Materials in Road Construction, DSIR. HMSO Publication,
London

3. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Specifications for Road and Bridge Works, Fourth Revision,
Indian Rbads Congress, New Delhi ·

4. Indian Roads Congress. Tentative Specification for Bituminous Surface Dressing, IRC: 17, 23, 48
5. Indian Roads Congress, Tentative Specification for Bituminous Macadam (Base & Binder Course), IRC : 27
6. Indian Roads Congress, Recommended Practice for Open Graded Rremix Carpet, IRC: 14 - 2004 (Thi rd
Revision)

QUESTIONS

1. Explain 'stripping'

2. Discuss the significance of adhesion test on aggregates.?

3. Briefly explain the princi~le of static immersion test ?

5. What do you understand by anti-stripping agents ?
 Whal are the uses, applic~tion and limitations of adhesion tests ?
6- · types of road
Whal are the acceptable limits of stripping value of coarse aggregates for use in differen 1
1. construction ?

OBSERVATION SHEET

Table 14.1 Results of stripping test on road aggrlfgates-

(i) Type of aggregate

(ii) Type of binder

(iii) Percentage binder used

(iv) Total weight of aggregate

(v) Total weight of binder

(vi) Temperature of water- bath

Observation Number Uncovered area/ Stripping,

percentage
1

Average stripping value =

Remarks: