Highway Materials - IES Previous Year Questions

11. Emulsion is used as a binder in which of the following stages of construction ?

  1. Surface dressing work
  2. Sealing open textured surfacing
  3. Filling cracks in pavement
  4. Prime coat
  5. Pre-coating of aggregates

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

[IES 2007]

  1. 2, 3, 4 and 5
  2. 1, 2 and 4
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 5
Answer: Option D
Explanation:
Different types of bituminous emulsion is used for following purposes:
  • Surface dressing
  • Penetration macadam type of construction
  • Premixing with coarse aggregates
  • Fine aggregate mixes

12. Based on Fuller’s Maximum density criterion, for 4 mm maximum size of soil particles, what is the percentage of particles 4 mm and 2 mm by weight ?

[IES 2007]

  1. 50
  2. 30
  3. 20
  4. 80
Answer: Option B
Explanation:
Maximum density gradation for maximum aggregate size as given by Fuller and Thompson is,
p = (d/D)n x 100%
Where,
p - Percentage of aggregates finer than the considered aggregate size d mm
D - Maximum size of aggregate in the mixture, mm
n - Gradation index that depends on the shape of the particles. For perfectly rounded particles, n = 0.5
Thus, percentage of material passing through 4 mm,
⇒ p1 = (d/D)n x 100% = (4/4)0.5 x 100% = 100%
percentage of material passing through 2 mm,
⇒ p2 = (d/D)n x 100% = (2/4)0.5 x 100% = 70.7%
Thus, percentage of material between 4 mm and 2 mm,
⇒p1 - p2 = 100 - 70.7 = 29.3%
Here, the closest answer is 30%

13.  Which one of the following tests is performed in the laboratory to determine the extent of weathering of aggregates for roadworks ?

[IES 2009]

  1. Crushing test
  2. Impact test
  3. Abrasion test
  4. Soundness test
Answer: Option D
Explanation:
  • Crushing test is carried out to evaluate the strength of the aggregates.
  • Impact test is carried out to evaluate the toughness of the aggregates.
  • Abrasion test is used to determine the hardness of the aggregates.
  • Soundness test is done to determine the resistance of aggregates against weathering actions.

14.  Which one of the following is not a desirable property of the subgrade soil as a highway material ?

[IES 2009]

  1. Ease of compaction
  2. Good drainage 
  3. Bitumen adhesion
  4. Stability
Answer: Option C
Explanation:
The desirable properties of subgrade soil as a highway material are:
  • Stability
  • Incompressibility
  • Permanency of strength
  • Stable under adverse conditions of weather and ground water
  • Good drainage
  • Ease of compaction

15.  The consistency and flow resistance of a sample of bitumen can be determined through which of the following tests ?

[IES 2016]

  1. Penetration test
  2. Ductility test
  3. Softening point test
  4. Viscosity test
Answer: Option D
Explanation:
  • Penetration test is done to determine the hardness of bitumen.
  • Ductility test is carried out to assess the ductility behaviour of bitumen.
  • Softening point test is done to figure out the softening point of bitumen. Softening point is the temperature at which the bitumen attains a particular degree of softening under specified conditions.
  • Viscosity is the general term for consistency and it is a measure of resistance to flow. Hence, Viscosity test is used to determine the consistency and flow resistance of bitumen sample.

16.  Consider the following statements regarding ductility of bitumen:

  1. Ductility is the property which does not permit bitumen to undergo large deformation without breaking.
  2. Bitumen with high ductility are generally adhesive but do not have good cementing properties.
  3. Ductility must be ascertained at two different temperatures in order to pronounce on the suitability of the material.

Which of the above statements are correct ?

[IES 2016]

  1. 2 only
  2. 1 only
  3. 1, 2 and 3
  4. 3 only  
Answer: Option D
Explanation:
  • Ductility test measures the adhesive property of bitumen and its ability to stretch.
  • Bitumens with high ductility are generally adhesive and have good cementing properties.
  • Ductility of bitumen must be determined at two different temperatures to test its suitability.
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