Numerical example - 1 - 26.8 | 5. Marshall Mix Design | Transportation Engineering - Vol 2
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Numerical example - 1

26.8 - Numerical example - 1

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Interactive Audio Lesson

Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.

Introduction to the Numerical Example

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Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Let's dive into the numerical example related to Marshall mix design. This will help us apply our theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. Can anyone tell me what specific gravities and weights we are working with?

Student 1
Student 1

We have different weights for the components of the mix, like coarse aggregate and bitumen.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Correct! We have specific gravities and weights for each component of the mix, which will be important for our calculations. Is everyone clear on how we will approach these calculations?

Student 2
Student 2

Do we need to calculate the specific gravity first?

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Yes! Let’s start with the Theoretical Specific Gravity (G_t). It's important because it helps us understand the composition of our mix. Remember, the formula is G_t = (ΣW_i * G_i) / ΣW_i.

Calculating Theoretical Specific Gravity

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Teacher
Teacher Instructor

To find G_t, we need to substitute our weights and specific gravities. What values are we using?

Student 3
Student 3

We are using W1 = 825g, W2 = 1200g, W3 = 325g, W4 = 150g, and Wb = 100g with their respective specific gravities.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Excellent! Now plug those into the formula. What do you get?

Student 4
Student 4

Calculating gives us G_t = 2.406.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Perfect! The theoretical specific gravity gives us a good foundation. Next, let's calculate the Bulk Specific Gravity (G_m).

Finding Bulk Specific Gravity and Air Voids

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Teacher
Teacher Instructor

The bulk specific gravity is G_m = W_m / W_w. Who remembers what these weights represent?

Student 1
Student 1

W_m is the weight of the mix in air, and W_w is its weight in water.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Exactly! Now, let's substitute the values to find G_m.

Student 2
Student 2

Using the numbers, G_m = 2.316.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Right! Now let's move on to calculate the percent air voids (V_v). What’s the formula again?

Student 3
Student 3

V_v = [(G_t - G_m) / G_t] * 100.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Great memory! What do we get after calculating V_v?

Student 4
Student 4

It turns out to be approximately 3.74%.

Calculating Volume of Bitumen and VMA

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Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Now let’s determine the volume of bitumen (V_b). We use the formula V_b = W_b / G_b. Who can recall the weight of bitumen used?

Student 1
Student 1

We used 100g!

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Exactly. Now, what’s G_b for the bitumen?

Student 2
Student 2

It’s 1.05!

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Awesome! Plug those values in to find V_b.

Student 3
Student 3

Alright, that gives us V_b = 20.052%.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Good work! Now how do we calculate VMA?

Student 4
Student 4

We add V_v and V_b together, right?

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Exactly correct! So the VMA we calculated was approximately 23.793%.

Final Calculations and Recap

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Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Great effort, everyone! Now let’s finish with the Voids Filled with Bitumen (VFB). How do we calculate this?

Student 1
Student 1

VFB = (V_b / VMA) * 100.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Exactly! What do we get?

Student 2
Student 2

VFB equals approximately 84.277%!

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Wonderful! Let’s quickly recap everything we learned today: G_t, G_m, V_v, V_b, VMA, and VFB. All these properties are critical in understanding the Marshall mix design. How do you feel about the calculations now?

Student 3
Student 3

I feel more confident with the calculations, especially with the formulas!

Introduction & Overview

Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.

Quick Overview

This section presents a numerical example to compute various properties related to Marshall mix design.

Standard

The section provides a practical application of the principles of Marshall mix design, demonstrating how to compute theoretical specific gravity, bulk specific gravity, air voids, volume of bitumen, voids in mineral aggregate, and voids filled with bitumen using a set of provided weights and specific gravities of aggregates and bitumen.

Detailed

Detailed Summary

This section illustrates a numerical example in the context of Marshall mix design for bituminous mixtures. It begins with the given specific gravities and weight proportions for aggregates and bitumen. The example examines the properties of a Marshall specimen, including its volume and weight (475 cc and 1100 gm respectively). Notably, it is assumed that there are no absorption effects of bitumen in the aggregates. The objective is to calculate:

  1. Theoretical Specific Gravity (G_t)
  2. Bulk Specific Gravity (G_m)
  3. Percent Air Voids (V_v)
  4. Volume of Bitumen (V_b)
  5. Voids in Mineral Aggregate (VMA)
  6. Voids Filled with Bitumen (VFB)

The calculations utilize the formulas provided within the chapter and the aggregate data given, leading to the determination of the aforementioned properties.

Audio Book

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Weight Proportions and Specific Gravities

Chapter 1 of 6

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Chapter Content

The specic gravities and weight proportions for aggregate and bitumen are as under for the preparation of Marshall mix design. The volume and weight of one Marshall specimen was found to be 475 cc and 1100 gm. Assuming absorption of bitumen in aggregate is zero, find V , V , VMA and VFB;
v b
Item A 1 A 2 A 3 A 4 B
Wt (gm) 825 1200 325 150 100
Sp. Gr 2.63 2.51 2.46 2.43 1.05

Detailed Explanation

In this chunk, we outline the specific gravities and weight proportions of aggregates and bitumen used in the Marshall mix design. It identifies the total weights of five different components of the mix and provides their respective specific gravities. The total weight of a sample Marshall specimen is noted, along with its volume. Later, we are tasked with calculating various critical parameters (air voids, volume of bitumen, voids in mineral aggregate, and voids filled with bitumen) using the provided weights and specific gravities.

Examples & Analogies

Think of preparing a cake, where each ingredient (like flour, sugar, baking powder) has a specific measurement (weight) and density (specific gravity). In this case, aggregates and bitumen are like the ingredients, and understanding how much of each is needed ensures the cake (or mix) turns out just right.

Calculation of Theoretical Specific Gravity

Chapter 2 of 6

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Chapter Content

Solution
G_t = (825 + 1200 + 325 + 150 + 100) / (825/2.63 + 1200/2.51 + 325/2.46 + 150/2.43 + 100/1.05)
= 2600 / 1080.86 = 2.406

Detailed Explanation

This chunk presents the method for calculating the theoretical specific gravity of the mix, denoted as G_t. The formula requires summing the weights of all components, while considering their specific gravities to find the total volume they represent. The process involves dividing the total weight of the components by the weighted average of their specific gravities. This gives an insight into how the mix behavior is expected under load.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine you’re finding the average score of students in a class. You would add up all the scores (weights) and then divide that total by the number of students (considering how well each student performed based on their individual scores). Here, you're weighing the contributions of each ingredient based on their specific density.

Calculation of Bulk Specific Gravity

Chapter 3 of 6

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Chapter Content

G_m = W_m / W_w
= 1100 / 475 = 2.316

Detailed Explanation

This chunk describes how to calculate the bulk specific gravity of the mix, represented as G_m. The equation uses the weight of the mix measured in air and the weight of the mix measured in water. The bulk specific gravity reflects the actual density of the mix, which is crucial because it incorporates the volume of air voids present in the sample.

Examples & Analogies

Think of measuring how much a sponge weighs in air versus when it is soaked in water. The weight difference shows how much air the sponge contains, just how we measure both air-filled voids and solid mass in our mixes.

Air Voids Calculation

Chapter 4 of 6

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Chapter Content

V_v = (G_t - G_m) / G_t * 100
= (2.406 - 2.316) / 2.406 * 100
= 3.741 %

Detailed Explanation

This chunk focuses on calculating the percentage of air voids in the mix, denoted as V_v. The equation compares the theoretical specific gravity with the bulk specific gravity, indicating how much volume in the mix is not filled with solids. The air voids percentage is critical in assessing the compaction quality and durability of the asphalt mixture.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a sealed bag of chips where some space is occupied by air rather than chips. The percentage of air in the bag represents the air voids. Similarly, in our mix design, air voids can affect the overall integrity and longevity of the asphalt.

Calculation of Volume of Bitumen

Chapter 5 of 6

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Chapter Content

V_b = (1.05 * 1100) / G_m
= 20.052 %

Detailed Explanation

Here, we calculate the volume of bitumen as a percentage of the total volume based on its weight and specific gravity. This chunk shows the process of determining how much of the mix’s overall volume is taken up by bitumen, an essential component that binds the aggregates together and affects its performance.

Examples & Analogies

This is akin to checking the oil content in a salad dressing. If there's too much or too little oil (bitumen), it will impact the flavor and texture (performance) of the salad mix.

Voids in Mineral Aggregate and Voids Filled with Bitumen

Chapter 6 of 6

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VMA = V_v + V_b
= 23.793 %
VFB = V_b / VMA * 100
= 20.052 / 23.793 * 100 = 84.277 %

Detailed Explanation

In this final part of the example, we calculate two important parameters: Voids in Mineral Aggregate (VMA) and Voids Filled with Bitumen (VFB). VMA considers the overall space in the aggregate, while VFB describes the proportion of that space filled by bitumen. Both are vital for determining the durability and performance of the asphalt mix.

Examples & Analogies

It's similar to evaluating how much of a cake is filled with frosting versus how much is just air. Knowing how much space is taken up helps us appreciate the cake's richness (or, in this case, the asphalt's performance).

Key Concepts

  • Theoretical Specific Gravity (G_t): Represents the specific gravity calculated without air voids.

  • Bulk Specific Gravity (G_m): The specific gravity that considers the presence of air voids in the mix.

  • Air Voids (V_v): Indicates the percentage of voids in the volume of the specimen.

  • Volume of Bitumen (V_b): Determined by the weight and specific gravity of bitumen relative to the mix.

  • Voids in Mineral Aggregate (VMA): Represents the total void space in the aggregates.

  • Voids Filled with Bitumen (VFB): Signifies the proportion of voids that hold bitumen.

Examples & Applications

In the numerical example, G_t was calculated using the weights and specific gravities to understand the composition of the mixture.

The calculation of V_b shows how bitumen content contributes to the overall properties of the bituminous mix.

Memory Aids

Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts

🎵

Rhymes

To find G_t, where air isn't in sight, add weights and specific gravities with all your might.

📖

Stories

Imagine a baker trying to fill doughnut holes with jelly. The jelly represents bitumen, filling the voids—much like in bitumen mixes, where we want the voids to be filled effectively.

🧠

Memory Tools

To remember G_t, think 'Weight's Gain is True' - WGT = G_t.

🎯

Acronyms

VFB

Voids Filled with Bitumen - Vital For Building!

Flash Cards

Glossary

Theoretical Specific Gravity (G_t)

The specific gravity of a mixture calculated without considering air voids.

Bulk Specific Gravity (G_m)

The specific gravity of a mixture that includes the effect of air voids.

Air Voids (V_v)

The percentage of air voids in a specimen expressed by volume.

Volume of Bitumen (V_b)

The percentage volume of bitumen relative to the total volume of the mix.

Voids in Mineral Aggregate (VMA)

The total amount of void space in the aggregates, which includes air voids and the volume of bitumen.

Voids Filled with Bitumen (VFB)

The percentage of voids in the mineral aggregate that are filled with bitumen.

Reference links

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