Institute of Technology of Cambodia Road design II (TP)

7. Conclusion
After the test, we successfully evaluated the consistency of the bitumen sample. The
average penetration value of 6.93𝑚𝑚 indicated a medium-hard bitumen which corresponds to
a 60/70 bitumen grade in Table 3: Penetration Grading. Based on Table 4: Acceptable Error,
the maximum difference value is 4. According to the calculations, the bitumen test sample is
suitable for road construction.
When we do the penetration test, there may be some common errors due to poor
sampling, poor maintenance of the laboratory equipment and needles, and incorrect
temperature and time.
Table 3: Penetration Grading

Penetration Grading
Grade Penetration in 0.1mm
40/50 40-50
60/70 60-70
85/100 85-100
120/150 120-150
200/300 200-300

Table 4: Acceptable Error

Acceptable Error Bar of Penetration test

Penetration in 0.1mm 0-49 50-149 150-249 250-500
Maximum difference 2 4 12 20

8. References
[1]. Pro, U. M. (2014). Penetration Test. Retrieved from Scribd.
[2]. Rizvi, M. (2021). Temperature Zoning of Pakistan for Asphalt Mix Design. Temperature
Zoning of Pakistan for Asphalt Mix Design.
[3]. Zahedi, M. (2024). Bitumen Penetration Test – Procedure and Purpose. Retrieved from
Infinity Galaxy: https://infinitygalaxy.org/bitumen-penetration-test/

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 Institute of Technology of Cambodia Road design II (TP)

TP2: SOFTENING POINT TEST OF BITUMEN

1. Introduction
When bitumen is used in an area, the ambient temperature affects it. As the temperature
start to rise, the bitumen becomes soft and its viscosity decrease. The moment that bitumen
softens, we measure the temperature and call it softening point.

2. Objective
The purpose of the softening point test of bitumen is to determine the temperature
resistance which indicates the proper bitumen binder in the chosen weather conditions.

3. Materials and Equipment

To obtain precise findings, the softening point test for bitumen needs a certain set of
materials and equipment, such as
Table 5: Materials and Equipment

Bitumen sample Glycerin and Talc Ring and ball apparatus Heat resistant bath

Thermometer Support stand Control heating unit Mixer

I4-GCI(A)-7 Page: 5