The GATE Grind

GATE 2025 CE (CE2) – Question 28

Highway Pavements · Bituminous paving mixes · 1 mark · Multiple select

Which of the following statements is/are INCORRECT?

  1. Bitumen having lower softening point is preferred in warm climate regions.
  2. The viscosity of bitumen influences the mixing and compaction of bituminous mix.
  3. The air voids in the range of 3% to 5% are required to arrive at the optimum bitumen content.
  4. The purity of bitumen can be determined using Solubility Test.

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (A) Bitumen having lower softening point is preferred in warm climate regions.

Explanation

A is incorrect: in warm climates a bitumen with a higher softening point (a harder grade) is preferred so that the pavement does not become soft. B is correct, because the viscosity decides the mixing and compaction temperatures. C is correct, since the Marshall design takes the air voids at 4% (within 3 to 5%) to fix the optimum bitumen content. D is correct: the solubility test (in trichloroethylene) measures the purity of bitumen.