What is a Bitumen Extraction Test?

The test used to determine the bitumen binder usage in the asphaltic
pavement by cold dissolver method as per ASTM D 2172 is known as
a bitumen extraction test.
A particular piece of bitumen sample shall be collected after
completion of pavement work and tested to find out the quality of the
bitumen binder.

Why is it required?
The quality, durability, and strength of the asphaltic pavement depend
upon the percentage of bitumen used. So, it is necessary to determine
the value to check the quality of the pavement.

Apparatus

• Centrifuge Extractor
• Beaker
• Weighing Machine
• Oven
• 500 g bitumen sample
• Filter paper
Test Procedure
Weigh 500g bitumen sample (W1) and place the sample in the cup
of the centrifuge.
Weigh the filter paper and note it as (F1)
Fill the benzene (dissolver) into the cup up to the sample top (as
thoroughly soaked).
The benzene will separate the aggregates and bitumen.
Now place the filter paper and cover the sample in the centrifuge
apparatus.
Now place the beaker at the outlet of the centrifuge to collect the
extracted sample.
Leave up to 1 hour for the solvent to dissolve the bitumen and
other ingredients of asphaltic pavement.
Now start the centrifuge machine and increase the speed gradually
to 3600 revolutions per minute.
The bitumen and benzene will completely drain out in the beaker.
Now again, add more benzene into the cup and again start the
same process.
Run the centrifuge again and again until the bitumen extraction is
completed. The extracted material seems to light straw colour.
Weigh the extracted material as W2.
Now remove the filter paper and dry it through the oven at the
temperature range of 1050°C to 1100°C and allow it to cool to
room temperature.
Finally, weigh the dried filter paper as F2.

The test should be conducted at least three samples, and

the average value is the percentage of bitumen used in
the pavement.
Lab Report

Calculation

The percentage of bitumen = (W1-(W2+W3)/W1) x 100

Video Illustration
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d48qDaiDyVI&t=208s

source
https://civilplanets.com/bitumen-extraction-test-procedure/