GATE CE 2023 Set 2 — Question 51

MSQ+2 / -0MediumMarshall Mix DesignBitumen & Mix DesignTransportation Engineering

Transportation Engineering → Bitumen & Mix Design → Marshall Mix Design

Last updated 5 September 2026

Question

Consider the Marshall method of mix design for bituminous mix. With the increase in bitumen content, which of the following statements is/are TRUE?

Correct answer (B) the Flow increases monotonically; (D) the voids filled with bitumen (VFB) increases monotonically Solution In the Marshall mix design, as bitumen content increases: Stability: Increases to a maximum value and then decreases. (A is false) Flow: Increases monotonically as more bitumen provides more lubrication and deformation. (B is true) Air Voids (VA): Decreases monotonically as bitumen fills the voids between aggregates. (C is false) Voids Filled with Bitumen (VFB): Increases monotonically as a higher percentage of the available void space is occupied by bitumen. (D is true) Turn this into a strength. Explore AI-powered practice and doubt support with Success Tracker.

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Correct answer (B) the Flow increases monotonically; (D) the voids filled with bitumen (VFB) increases monotonically Solution In the Marshall mix design, as bitumen content increases: Stability: Increases to a maximum value and then decreases. (A is false) Flow: Increases monotonically as more bitumen provides more lubrication and deformation. (B is true) Air Voids (VA): Decreases monotonically as bitumen fills the voids between aggregates. (C is false) Voids Filled with Bitumen (VFB): Increases monotonically as a higher percentage of the available void space is occupied by bitumen. (D is true)

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