What is penetration test of bitumen?

The penetration test of bitumen measures the hardness or softness of bitumen by measuring the depth of penetration of standard loaded needle in five seconds while maintaining bitumen sample temperature at 25 °C. The more viscous the bitumen, the less distance needle is able to penetrate.

Why ductility test of bitumen is done?

Significance of Ductility Test of Bitumen: The ductility test of bitumen sample is one of the important tests of bitumen to be conducted before road construction. Ductility measures the adhesive property of the bitumen too along with its elasticity.

Why is softening point test of bitumen done?

Softening point test of bitumen is done to determine the consistency of bitumen. This test gives an idea of the temperature at which the bitumen attain certain viscosity.

Why bitumen is used?

Bituminous materials are used for road construction, roofing, waterproofing, and other applications. For the main application, which is road construction, the major concerns, as with concrete, are cost and durability.

What is softening of bitumen?

The softening point of a bituminous material can be defined as the temperature at which this bituminous material further softens after its arbitrary softness point is reached. There are various methods that are helpful in determining the softening point of a bituminous material.

Which test is done to find out the softening point of bitumen?

Bitumens are viscoelastic materials without sharply defined melting points; they gradually become softer and less viscous as the temperature rises. The softening point of bitumen can be determined through the use of a ring-and-ball apparatus immersed in distilled water (30 to 80°C) or USP glycerin (above 80 to 157°C).

What is bituminous work?

Bitumen road construction consists of various steps such as preparation of base course, application of bituminous coat, placement of bituminous mix, rolling and check for quality etc. Steps in Bituminous Road Construction.

What is the composition of bitumen?

Chemical Composition of Bitumen: Molecular weight wise, bitumen is a mixture of about 300 – 2000 chemical components, with an average of around 500 – 700. Elementally, it is around 95\% carbon and hydrogen (± 87\% carbon and ± 8\% hydrogen), and up to 5\% sulfur, 1\% nitrogen, 1\% oxygen and 2000ppm metals.

What are the factors that influence the result of the softening point test?

Following are the main factors that affect the softening point of bitumen; i)- Rate of heating….PROCEDURE:

• Freshly boiled distilled water for softening points between 30 and 80°C; use Thermometer 15C or 15F.
• USP glycerin for softening points above 80°C and up to 157°C; use Thermometer 16C or 16F.

What are the applications of the softening point test?

The test results are used to determine the consistency of bitumen and bituminous binders at elevated service temperatures under defined conditions of heating. The test is usually applied to bituminous binders with softening points ring and ball between 28 °C and 150 °C.