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Procedure of Penetration Test On Bitumen
Procedure of Penetration Test On Bitumen
The penetration test is one of the oldest and most commonly used tests on asphalt cements
or residues from distillation of asphalt cutbacks or emulsions. The standardized procedure
for this test can be found in ASTM D5 [ASTM, 2001]. It is an empirical test that measures the
consistency (hardness) of an asphalt at a specified test condition.
In the standard test condition, a standard needle of a total load of 100 g is applied to the
surface of an asphalt or Liquid bitumen sample at a temperature of 25 C for 5 seconds. The
amount of penetration of the needle at the end of 5 seconds is measured in units of 0.1 mm
(or penetration unit). A softer asphalt will have a higher penetration, while a harder
asphalt will have a lower penetration. Other test conditions that have been used include
The penetration test can be used to designate grades of asphalt cement, and to measure
changes in hardness due to age hardening or changes in tempera
This is the most widely used method of measuring the consistency of a bituminous
material at a given temperature. It is a means of classification rather than a
measure of quality.
APPARATUS:
Penetration Apparatus
Needle
Container
Water Bath
Thermometer for Water Bath
Stop watch
Principle:
It measures the hardness or softness of bitumen by measuring the depth in tenths
of a millimeter to which a standard loaded needle will penetrate vertically in 5
seconds.
PROCEDURE:
Heat the sample
until it becomes
fluid.
Pour it in a
container to a
depth such that
when cooled, the depth of sample is at least 10mm greater than the
expected penetration.
Allow it to cool in an atmospheric temperature.
Clean the needle and place a weight above the needle.
Use the water bath to maintain the temperature of specimen.
Mount the needle on bitumen, such that it should just touch the surface of
bitumen.
Then start the stop watch and allow the penetration needle to penetrate
freely at same time for 5 seconds. After 5 seconds stop the penetration.
Result will be the grade of bitumen.
Take at least three reading.
Penetration test is used to measure the consistency of bitumen, so that they can be
classified into standard grades. Greater value of penetration indicates softer
consistency. Generally higher penetration bitumen is preferred for use in cold
climate and smaller penetration bitumen is used in hot climate areas.