T 53 METHODS OF SAMPLING AND TESTING

Standard Method of Test for

Softening Point of Bitumen (Ring-and-Ball Apparatus)

AASHTO DESIGNATION: T 53-92

AASHTO T 53-92 is identical to ASTM D 36-89 except for the following provisions.

1. All references to the ASTM standards contained in ASTM D 36-89, listed in the following table, shall be replaced with the
corresponding AASHTO standard.

Referenced Standards
ASTM AASHTO
D 92 T 48
D 140 T 40

2. Replace Figure 1 of ASTM D 36-89 with the figure next:

Figure 1 (a) Shouldered Ring

A 23.0mm±0.3mm (0.91"±0.01") Figure 1 (c) Ball Centering Guide
B 19.8 mm±0.3mm (0.78"±0.01")
C 18.8mm±0.3mm (0.74"±0.01") A 23.1 mm See Note c (0.91" See Note c)
D 15.9 mm ± 0.3 mm (0.63" ± 0.01") B 9.7 mm See Note d (0.38" See Note d)
E 4.4 min ±0.3mm (0.17"±0.01") C 1.5 mm ± 0.5 mm (0.06" ± 0.02")
F 2.0 mm ± 0.3 mm (0.08" ± 0.01") D 24.6 mm ± 0.3 mm (0.97" ± 0.01")
G 6.4 mm ± 0.4 mm (0.25" ± 0.02") E 0.8 mm ± 0.5 mm (0.03" ± 0.02")
H 3.6 mm ±0.3mm (0.14"±0.01") F 3.0 mm ± 0.5 mm (0.12" ± 0.02")
I 2.8 mm ±0.3mm (0.11"±0.01") G 1.5 mm ±0.3mm (0.06"±0.01")
H 4.8 mm ±0.3mm (0.19"±0.01")
I 4.3 mm ±0.3mm (0.17"±0.01")

Figure 1 (b) Ring Holder

A 19.0 mm See Note a (0.75" See Note a)
B 23.9 mm ± 0.5 mm (0.94±0.02")
C 76.2 mm ± 0.5 mm (3.00”±0.02”)
D 5.6 mm ± 0.5 mm (0.22" ± 0.02")
E 5.6 mm ± 0.5 mm (0.22" ± 0.02")
F 66.5 mm ± 0.5 mm (2.62" ± 0.02")

Note a-This Diameter To Be Slightly Larger (Approximately 0.05 mm (d) Two-Ring Assembly
(0.002")) Than Dimension "C" of Figure I (a)-Shouldered Ring-To
Note c-This Diameter To Be Slightly Larger (Approximately 0.05 mm
Permit Insertion Of Ring. In Final Assembly The Thermometer Bulb
(0.002")) Than Dimension "A" of Figure 1(a) SHOULDERED RING-
Shall Be Within 12.7 mm (0.50") Of. But Not Touching The Ball
To Slide Over Ring.
Centering Guide.

Noted-This Diameter To Be Slightly Larger (Approximately 0.05 mm

Note b-The shape of the ring holder in figure 1(b) is not critical in
(0.002")) Than 3.6 mm (0.38") To Allow Placing And Centering Of The
respect to the test results; therefore any shape is acceptable provided it is
Steel Ball.
of a suitable shape to support the test apparatus.

FIGURE 1 Shouldered Ring, Ring Holder, Ball-Centering Guide, and Assembly of Apparatus Showing Two Rings

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