Institute of Technology of Cambodia Faculty of Civil engineering

TP1: Penetration Test

I. Objective
The purpose of this experiment is to find the value of the needle that sink into the
Bitumen which is situated in a solid state and in a mid-solid state.
II. Theory
Penetration is a measure of consistency. It quantifies the hardness/softness of
bitumen by measuring the depth (in tenths of a millimeter) to which a standard loaded
needle will penetrate vertically under specified temperature (25ºc), load (100g), and
duration of loading (in 5 seconds).
III. Equipment

Penetrometer Mold Thermometer

Temperature water tank Stop watch Gloves Bitumen

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Institute of Technology of Cambodia Faculty of Civil engineering

IV. Procedure

1. Heat the sample carefully by stirring to prevent

overheating in one area until it becomes liquid.
In any case, the temperature should not exceed
(60ºC from the Softening Point) for tar pitch or
above 90ºC for Petroleum asphalt. Do not heat
the sample for more than 30 minutes. Avoid
bubbles entering the sample.

2. Inject the sample into 2 different metal bowls

of experiments.

3. Cover the metal card as protection against dust

and allow it to cool in the air at a temperature
between 15 to 30ºC for 1 to 1.5 hours for small
cars and 1.5 to 5 hours for high cars. Then
place both samples in water to maintain at the
set experimental temperature. Leave for 1 to
1.5 hours for the small bowl and 1.5 to 5 hours
for the big high bowl.

4. Clean the needle with toluene or another

solvent, clean it, and insert the needle into the
penetrometer. Putting a weight of 50 grams
above the needle makes a total weight of 100
grams.

5. If testing is to be done with a measuring device

(penetrometer) in the pool. Place the sample
directly on the pad that supports the