CCIL Asphalt and Aggregate 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which ASTM standard governs the determination of flash and fire points of bituminous materials using the Cleveland Open Cup method?
- ASTM D92 (Correct answer)
- ASTM D113
- ASTM D5
- ASTM D36
Correct answer: ASTM D92
ASTM D92 covers the Cleveland Open Cup method for determining flash and fire points of petroleum products including bituminous materials.
Question 2: In the Marshall mix design method, what term describes the load required to produce failure in a compacted asphalt specimen?
- Flow value
- Stability (Correct answer)
- Air void content
- VMA
Correct answer: Stability
Marshall Stability is the maximum load a compacted asphalt specimen can resist before failing under the Marshall testing apparatus.
Question 3: What does the term 'VMA' stand for in asphalt mix design terminology?
- Volumetric Mix Analysis
- Voids in Mineral Aggregate (Correct answer)
- Variable Mass Asphalt
- Voids in Maximum Aggregate
Correct answer: Voids in Mineral Aggregate
VMA (Voids in Mineral Aggregate) represents the total void space between aggregate particles in a compacted paving mixture, including air voids and asphalt binder.
Question 4: Which test method is used to measure the elongation index of coarse aggregate according to Canadian standards?
- ASTM C131
- CSA A23.2-13A (Correct answer)
- AASHTO T96
- ASTM C127
Correct answer: CSA A23.2-13A
CSA A23.2-13A is the Canadian standard test method for determining the elongation index of coarse aggregate particles.
Question 5: At what temperature range is polymer-modified asphalt (PMA) typically stored to prevent phase separation?
- 100–120°C
- 140–160°C (Correct answer)
- 175–185°C
- 60–80°C
Correct answer: 140–160°C
Polymer-modified asphalt is typically stored at 140–160°C with agitation to prevent polymer settling and phase separation.
Question 6: The Superpave gyratory compactor (SGC) applies what combination of angle and pressure during specimen compaction?
- 2.0° internal angle and 620 kPa
- 1.25° internal angle and 600 kPa (Correct answer)
- 0.5° internal angle and 800 kPa
- 1.25° internal angle and 750 kPa
Correct answer: 1.25° internal angle and 600 kPa
The SGC operates at a 1.25° internal angle and 600 kPa vertical pressure to compact asphalt specimens that simulate field compaction.
Question 7: Which property of aggregate is assessed by the micro-Deval test?
- Particle shape and angularity
- Abrasion and attrition resistance (Correct answer)
- Specific gravity and absorption
- Flat and elongated particle content
Correct answer: Abrasion and attrition resistance
The micro-Deval test (ASTM D6928 / CSA A23.2-29A) measures the resistance of coarse aggregate to abrasion and attrition using steel balls and water.
CCIL Asphalt and Aggregate 2
Which ASTM standard governs the determination of flash and fire points of bituminous materials using the Cleveland Open Cup method?