Basic road construction materials – types, source, functions, requirements, properties, tests and specifications for use in various components of road. Basic soil properties, methods to determine strength of soil, Soil compaction for use in fill and subgrade of roads, compaction studies in laboratory and field, properties of compacted soils.
Aggregates–Origin, classification, equipments, properties. Tests and specifications on road aggregates for flexible and rigid pavements. Importance of aggregate gradation problems on Rothfutch’s and Critical sieve methods and Shape factor in mix design.
Bituminous binders – different types, properties and uses, physical tests on bitumen, Rheological and pavement performance related properties, Modified binders, ideal pavement binders, characteristics and applications in road construction, criteria for selection of different binders. Bituminous mixes, types, requirements, properties, tests, Marshall Method of mix design, Criteria and super pave mix design, Additives & Modifiers in Bituminous mixes, problems on mix design.
Portland cement and cement concrete for use in road works – requirements, design of mix for CC pavement, use of additives, IRC specifications & Tests, joint filler and sealer materials.
Soil stabilization – principle, methods and tests, proportioning of materials and mix design, application of Rothfutch’s method. Marginal and waste materials in road construction, their properties and scope in road construction. Use of Fly-ash in road embankment and cement concrete mixes, use of chemical stabilizers in road construction.