DUCTILITY (ASPHALT CEMENT)

Significance:
- Measures the ability of asphalt to stretch without breaking
- A gauge to adhesiveness of asphalt, the higher the ductility the more adhesive the
asphalt.

Apparatus:
1. Molds or Briquets
2. Base plate
3. Water bath
4. Thermometer
5. Ductility machine
6. Trimmer/Spatula (1 ½” wide)
7. Moisture cans
8. Oven or stove

Reagents: Glycerine and talc (Release agent)

Procedures:

1. Heat the sample with care, to prevent overheating until it has become sufficiently fluid to
pour.
2. Assemble the mold on the base plate, coat the surface of the plate and the interior
surfaces of sides of the mold with a release agent (mixture of 3 grams of glycerine and 5
grams of talc)
3. Pour the heated sample into the prepared mold until it is level full.
4. Cool the sample and the mold for at least 30 to 40 mins.
5. If the briquet is more than level full, cut off the excess material by means of a heated
spatula. Then let it cool for another 30 to 40 minutes.
6. Place the base plate and filled mold in a water bath maintained at a temperature of 25ºC
for 85 to 95 minutes.
7. Remove the briquet from the plate, detach the side pieces and immediately attach the
clips to the pins/hooks of the testing machine and pull the clips apart at a rate of 5
cm/min. Note: The water bath of the machine shall be maintained at 25ºC.
8. Measure and record the distance through which the clips have been pulled to produce
rupture