TEST METHOD WA 312.
1 – 2016
BALL EMBEDMENT
1 SCOPE
This method describes the procedure for determining
the embedment of a standard ball under the impact of a
standard load into a road surface which is to be treated
with a bitumen seal coat.
2 SAFETY
This method does not attempt to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this method to establish
appropriate occupational health and safety practices
that meet statutory regulations.
3 APPARATUS
(a) Standard Marshall compaction hammer, or
standard imperial heavy soils compaction hammer
(sliding mass 4.535 ± 0.020 kg, 457 ± 1 mm free fall).
(b) A 19 mm ball (steel ball bearing of diameter 19.00
± 0.05 mm).
NOTE: The steel ball bearing may be welded to the
standard compaction hammer for use in Procedure 4.1
(c) provided the sliding hammer mass is adjusted
accordingly. The ball bearing should be measured
regularly for wear on its lower hemisphere.
(c) Thermometer with a range of approximately 0° C
to 100° C, readable to at least 0.5° C.
(d) Cumulative dial gauge or digital embedment
meter (50 mm travel in 0.01 mm units).
4 PROCEDURE
(a) Select a sample site typical of the road surface to
be sealed.
NOTES:
i. Embedment tests should normally be carried out in
the wheel path as seal design is based on this
measurement. Testing may be carried out between
wheel paths however these results should be
considered to represent a different lot and should not
be combined with wheel path results but reported
separately.
ii. A sample site would typically be no more than 2 m
in length.
(b) Site the ball within the sample site.
MAIN ROADS Western Australia Document 71/04/312.1
(c) Rest the base of the standard hammer on the ball
and apply one blow of the falling weight. Remove the
hammer and ball.
(d) Repeat Procedures 4 (b) and 4 (c) at another nine
locations within the sample site.
(e) Zero the cumulative dial gauge or digital
embedment meter.
(f) Place the cumulative dial gauge or digital
embedment meter so that its feet are situated
approximately evenly around a ball indentation.
Register the depth of embedment to the nearest 0.01
mm.
NOTE: The indentations in the road surface should not
be subjected to traffic flow before the depth of
embedment is registered.
(g) Repeat Procedure 4 (f) at the remaining nine ball
indentations to obtain a cumulative depth of
embedment.
(h) Determine the average ball embedment using
Procedure 4 (h) (i) for the cumulative dial gauge or
Procedure 4 (h) (ii) for the digital embedment meter.
(i) Record the total accumulated depth of
embedment from the 10 locations. Divide the total
by 10 to obtain the average ball embedment for the
sample site.
(ii) Obtain a printout of the data from the 10
locations. The average ball embedment for the
sample site will be shown on the printout. Identify
the sample site of road tested on the printout and
attach the printout to the worksheet.
(i) Record the average ball embedment (E) to the
nearest 0.01 mm.
(j) Record the temperature of the road surface (T)
within the sample site to the nearest 0.5°C.
5 CALCULATIONS
(a) Determine the standard summer road surface
temperature (Ts) of the sample site using Figure 1.
Where the sample site lies between median values
shown in Figure 1 determine the summer road surface
temperature by linear interpolation.
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NOTE: Linear interpolation is achieved by scaling
between the median value lines shown in Figure 1.
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 TEST METHOD WA 312.1 – 2016

(b) Determine an appropriate temperature

susceptibility of penetration (K) for the sample site
using the criteria shown below:

• Finished Basecourse 0.00 mm/°C

• Single and multiple seal (not fatty) 0.04 mm/°C

• Primed surfaces (not fatty) 0.06 mm/°C

• Fatty roads and premix surfacing 0.08 mm/°C

(c) Correct the average ball embedment of the road

surface at the temperature of test to the standard
summer temperature for the sample site using the
following formula:

𝐸𝑠 = 𝐸 − 𝐾(𝑇 − 𝑇𝑠 )

Where:

𝐸𝑠 = embedment depth at standard summer road

surface temperature (mm).

𝐸 = average embedment depth at the time of test

(mm).

K = temperature susceptibility of penetration

(mm/°C).

T = temperature of the road surface at the time of test

(°C).

Ts = standard summer road surface temperature of

sample site (°C).

6 REPORTING

Report Es for each sample site to the nearest 0.1 mm

and record whether the measurements were carried
out in or between the wheel paths.

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7 FIGURES AND DRAWINGS

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SUGGESTED MAXIMUM ROAD TEMPERATURES

IN DEGREES CELSIUS
FIGURE 1

MAIN ROADS Western Australia Document 71/04/312.1 Issue Date: 02 November 2016
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 TEST METHOD WA 312.1 – 2016
8 ISSUING AUTHORITY

Document Owner Delegated Custodian

Manager Materials Engineering Pavements Manager

9 REVISION STATUS RECORD

Revision
Page No. Section
Description / Reference

All All Format Revision and Re-issue of Test Method

2 5 (b) Updated for Primed Surfaces and Finished Basecourse

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MAIN ROADS Western Australia Document 71/04/312.1 Issue Date: 02 November 2016
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