Aim:

To determine the loss of volatiles present in asphaltic bitumen on

heating.

Significance:
Bitumen is commonly used as a binder in pavements. When it is
exposed to the atmosphere, the volatiles present in it evaporates and
bitumen hardens.

In the loss of heating of bitumen, the bitumen specimen is subjected

to an accelerated ageing process under the conditions specified by the
standard.

By carrying out penetration test at the start and finish of the test, the
amount by which bitumen hardens can be known.

Important Terms:
Loss on Heating: The loss of volatiles like oil except water on heating
the bituminous material to standard temperature and under
predetermined conditions is termed as a loss on heating.

Principle:
The practical works on the below principle:

The volatile materials evaporate when they are subjected to high

temperatures. Bitumen is heated to about 163 ° C so that the volatile
materials are evaporated.

Apparatus for Loss of Heating of Bitumen

Test:
The apparatus used while conducting loss on heating test of bitumen is
described below:
 1. Hot Air Oven:

2. Perforated Metal Shelf:

It is made up of aluminum and placed in the center of the oven. It is

suspended by means of a vertical shaft which is rotated at the rate of
5-6 rev/min. Its diameter is about 250 mm.
3. Container:

Container
It is a cylindrical pan made up of either metal or glass, cylindrical in
shape and has a flat bottom. Its internal diameter is 55 mm and its
internal depth is 35 mm.

4. Thermometer or Temperature Indicator and Controller:

To measure the temperature of water in the ductility apparatus. It

should be graduated in Celcius. The temperature range should be from
155-170 °C. it is supported on the shaft of the perforated shelf so that
it can be kept in a vertical position. Distance between the top of the
contraction chamber and the bottom of bulb of the thermometer ≯ 41
mm.

5. Weighing Balance:

It should be accurate to 0.1 grams.

6. Other accessory equipment required for conducting Loss

on Bitumen Test are as follows:

• Asbestos gloves
• Penetrometer and water bath
• Container to mix bitumen of about 225 gram
• Hotplate

Materials:
• Bituminous material to be tested
Precaution:
The following precautions should be taken while performing the loss on
a heating test of bitumen to obtain accurate results:

• The loss on a heating test of bitumen should be conducted

in duplicate
• If there is presence of water in the sample, it should be
tested in that composition only
• The temperature of the oven should be strictly maintained
to 163 °C
• Hot air oven, analytical balance, penetrometer and water
bath should be calibrated in a while
• Water content of the sample should be determined in
accordance with IS 1211: 1978 as the method of
determination of water content specified
• If the sample shows evidence of loss by foaming, that
sample should not be considered but rejected
Procedure for Loss on Heating Test of
Bitumen:
1. Agitate the bituminous material by stirring as received so
that a complete mixture is obtained. Heat the sample above
its softening point, if necessary.
2. Heat the containers at 100-110 °C for about 30 minutes in
the oven and then allow them to cool at room temperature
and measure the weight of the empty containers.
3. Take a portion of the well-mixed material for testing in a
container and allow it to cool. Prepare at least 2 such
specimens.
4. Weigh the sample along with the container to the nearest
0.1 gram and subtract the weight of the container to obtain
the weight of the sample- W1. The weight of the sample
filled in the container is 50.0 ± 0.5 grams.
5. If penetration values are to be compared too, then pour the
sample in the penetrometer cup also. Find out the
penetration value as specified in IS: 1203- 1978.
6. Set the temperature of the oven to 163 ± 1 °C.
7. Place the container with the sample on the perforated shelf
placed centrally and close the oven.
8. Maintain the temperature to 163 ± 1 °C for 5 hours after
the oven has achieved the specified temperature. The
duration for which the sample is placed in the oven should
not be more than 5 hours and 15 minutes.
9. Switch on the motor switch to allow the perforated plate to
rotate at a rate of 5-6 rev/min.
10. Allow the sample in the containers to cool at room
temperature.
11. Weight the sample to the nearest 0.1 gram- W2.
12. Determine the water content for the sample as done
in the determination of water content test in accordance
with IS
13. Calculate the weight loss of volatile materials because
of heating from the above-observed values.
14. Arrange the containers on the perforated shelf and
turn on the oven for 5 minutes at the specified
temperature.
 15. If the penetration test is also to be compared, then
mix the sample of the containers and keep the mixture on a
hotplate so that it remains in the liquid state. Pour the
mixture into a penetrometer cup and determine the
penetration value. The value will be less than the previous
one.

Observation:
Following observation is made as the loss on heating test of bitumen is
conducted:

The weight of the sample reduces on heating as the volatile materials

are evaporated.

Hence, the initial weight of the sample is more while the weight after
testing is reduced. The difference in weight is the loss of volatile
materials present in the bitumen.