Soil: Characterization:
Properties of subgrade layers; different types of soils, Soil Classification; Index and other basic properties of soil; A critical look at the different laboratory and in - situ procedures for evaluating the mechanical properties of soils viz. SPT, CPT, CBR, Plate Load test, Field compaction and control.
Aggregates:
Origin, classification, requirements, properties and tests on road aggregates, mechanical and shape properties of aggregates, Aggregate texture and skid resistance, polishing of aggregates; concepts of size and gradation - design gradation, maximum aggregate size, aggregate blending to meet specification, Fuller and Thompson’s Equation, 0.45 power maximum density graph, Sampling of aggregates.
Bitumen :
Bitumen and Tar: Origin, preparation, properties and chemical constitution of bituminous road binders; requirements, bitumen structure, Rheology of bitumen, Elastic modulus, Dynamic modulus, visco-elastic and fatigue properties, creep test, Bituminous Emulsions and Cutbacks, Preparation, characteristics, uses and tests, Adhesion of Bituminous Binders to Road Aggregates: Adhesion failure, mechanism of stripping, tests and methods of improving adhesion.
Bituminous Mixes:
Resilient and Complex (Dynamic) Moduli of Bituminous Mixes, Permanent Deformation Parameters and other Properties. Modified bitumen: Crumb Rubber Modified bitumen, Natural rubber modified bitumen, polymer modified bitumen; Long term and short term ageing and its effect on bitumen performance, Tests to simulate ageing of bitumen viz. RTFOT and PAV. Desirable properties of bituminous mixes, Design of bituminous mixes: Modified Marshall’s specifications, Hubbard Field method of mix design, Hveem’s method of mix design; Introduction to super pave mix design procedure, Modified binders, HMA, WMA, CMA
Cement and Concrete :
Types of cements and basic cement properties, Quality tests on cement; Tests on cement concrete including compressive strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity and fatigue properties; Introduction to advanced concretes like self-compacted concrete, Light weight concrete, Roller Compacted Concrete for pavement application; Joint fillers and sealers for Jointed Plain Cement Concrete Pavements and their characterization.